Medical use of pharmaceutical combination or composition

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a certain DPP-4 inhibitor for use in combination with metformin in CKD patients.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a certain DPP-4 inhibitor (preferably linagliptin) for use in combination with metformin (particularly in the form of metformin hydrochloride) in CKD (chronic kidney disease) patients, particularly in patients having CKD up to stage 3 and/or having estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR; mL/minute/1.73 m²) levels down to 45, or even down to 30, such as in patients with CKD of moderate stage (CKD stage 3, eGFR 30-60), particularly of mild-to-moderate stage (CKD stage 3a) such as having eGFR levels 45-59 or of moderate-to-severe stage such as having eGFR levels 30-44 (CKD stage 3b), optionally in combination with one or more other active substances.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a common chronic and progressive disease arising from a complex pathophysiology involving the dual endocrine effects of insulin resistance and impaired insulin secretion with the consequence not meeting the required demands to maintain plasma glucose levels in the normal range. This leads to chronic hyperglycaemia and its associated micro- and macrovascular complications or chronic damages, such as e.g. diabetic nephropathy, retinopathy or neuropathy, or macrovascular (e.g. cardio- or cerebrovascular) complications, and/or cognitive function impairment. The vascular disease component plays a significant role, but is not the only factor in the spectrum of diabetes associated disorders. The high frequency of complications leads to a significant reduction of life expectancy. Diabetes is currently the most frequent cause of adult-onset loss of vision, renal failure, and amputation in the Industrialised World because of diabetes induced complications and is associated with a two to five fold increase in cardiovascular disease risk. The elevated risk for macrovascular disease is primarily related to increased risk for athero-thrombosis that leads to increased morbidity and premature mortality from cardiovascular (CV) disease and an important predictor for CV diseases is renal impairment, nephropathy and/or chronic kidney disease (CKD) which often co-exists.

The treatment of type 2 diabetes typically begins with diet and exercise, followed by oral antidiabetic monotherapy, and although conventional monotherapy may initially control blood glucose in some patients, it is however associated with a high secondary failure rate. The limitations of single-agent therapy for maintaining glycemic control may be overcome, at least in some patients, and for a limited period of time by combining multiple drugs to achieve reductions in blood glucose that cannot be sustained during long-term therapy with single agents. Available data support the conclusion that in most patients with type 2 diabetes current monotherapy will fail and treatment with multiple drugs will be required.

But, because type 2 diabetes is a progressive disease, even patients with good initial responses to conventional combination therapy will eventually require an increase of the dosage or further treatment with an additional oral or non-oral antidiabetic drug (often finally with insulin therapy) because the blood glucose level is very difficult to maintain stable for a long period of time. Although existing combination therapy has the potential to enhance glycemic control, it is not without limitations (especially with regard to long term efficacy). Further, traditional therapies may show an increased risk for side effects, such as hypoglycemia or weight gain, which may compromise their efficacy and acceptability.

Thus, for many patients, these existing drug therapies result in progressive deterioration in metabolic control despite treatment and do not sufficiently control metabolic status especially over long-term and thus fail to achieve and to maintain glycemic control in advanced, progressed or late stage type 2 diabetes, including diabetes with inadequate glycemic control despite conventional oral and/or non-oral antidiabetic medication.

Therefore, although intensive treatment of hyperglycemia can reduce the incidence of chronic damages, many patients with diabetes remain inadequately treated, partly because of limitations in long term efficacy, safety/tolerability and dosing inconvenience of conventional antihyperglycemic therapies.

In addition, obesity, overweight or weight gain (e.g. as side or adverse effect of some conventional antidiabetic medications) further complicates the treatment of diabetes and its microvascular or macrovascular, and/or cognitive, complications.

This high incidence of therapeutic failure is a major contributor to the high rate of long-term hyperglycemia-associated complications or chronic damages (including micro- and makrovascular complications such as e.g. diabetic nephrophathy, retinopathy or neuropathy, or cerebro- or cardiovascular complications such as e.g. myocardial infarction, stroke or vascular mortality or morbidity) in patients with diabetes.

Oral antidiabetic drugs conventionally used in therapy (such as e.g. first-, second- or third-line, and/or mono- or (initial or add-on) combination therapy) may include, without being restricted thereto, metformin, sulphonylureas, thiazolidinediones, glinides and α-glucosidase inhibitors.

Non-oral (typically injected) antidiabetic drugs conventionally used in therapy (such as e.g. first-, second- or third-line, and/or mono- or (initial or add-on) combination therapy) may include, without being restricted thereto, GLP-1 or GLP-1 analogues, and insulin or insulin analogues.

However, the use of these conventional antidiabetic or antihyperglycemic agents can be associated with various adverse effects. For example, metformin can be associated with lactic acidosis or gastrointestinal side effects; sulfonylureas, glinides and insulin or insulin analogues can be associated with hypoglycemia and weight gain; thiazolidinediones can be associated with edema, bone fracture, weight gain and heart failure/cardiac effects; and alpha-glucosidase blockers and GLP-1 or GLP-1 analogues can be associated with gastrointestinal adverse effects (e.g. dyspepsia, flatulence or diarrhea, or nausea or vomiting).

In addition to morbidity associated with each of these side effects, they could also have adverse cardiovascular implications. For example, hypoglycaemia and weight gain are postulated as contributors to adverse CV mortality outcomes.

Hypoglycemic episodes have also been identified detrimental to cognitive skills and are associated with a greater risk of cognitive impairment or dementia. The risk of hypoglycemia is further increased in the elderly with comorbidities and multiple medication use.

Therefore, it remains a need in the art to provide efficacious, safe and tolerable antidiabetic therapies.

In particular, a certain amount of people with type 2 diabetes mellitus have chronic kidney disease (CKD). For these individuals, the current standard of care is intensive glycemic control and treatment with angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs).

Despite such treatment, type 2 diabetes patients with chronic kidney disease (particularly having residual albuminuria) still have substantial risk for cardio-renal morbidity and mortality, an unmet need that is driving a search for novel therapies for diabetic kidney disease.

Accordingly, it remains a need in the art to provide efficacious, safe and tolerable antidiabetic therapies both for diabetic patients such as who have not previously been treated with an antidiabetic drug (drug-naïve patients) and, particularly, for patients with advanced or late stage type 2 diabetes mellitus, including patients with inadequate glycemic control on conventional oral and/or non-oral antidiabetic drugs, such as e.g. metformin, sulphonylureas, thiazolidinediones, glinides and/or α-glucosidase inhibitors, and/or GLP-1 or GLP-1 analogues, and/or insulin or insulin analogues; particularly in patients with (chronic) renal disease, renal dysfunction or renal impairment, including in patients having chronic kidney disease (CKD) such as e.g. up to stage 3 and/or having estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR; mL/minute/1.73 m²) levels down to 45 or even down to 30, such as in patients with (chronic) renal impairment of moderate stage (CKD stage 3, eGFR 30-60), particularly of mild-to-moderate stage (CKD stage 3a) having eGFR levels 45-59, or even of moderate-to-severe stage having eGFR levels 30-44 (CKD stage 3b).

Particularly, it is a need for therapies for diabetic patients with moderate-to-severe or severe microvascular burden, such as advanced kidney disease (particularly for those having a renal prognosis of high risk or very high risk).

Further, within the therapy of type 2 diabetes, it is a need for treating the condition effectively, avoiding the (micro- and/or macrovascular) complications inherent to the condition, and delaying or modifying disease progression, e.g. in order to achieve a long-lasting therapeutic benefit.

Furthermore, it remains a need that antidiabetic treatments not only prevent and/or treat the long-term complications often found in advanced stages of diabetes disease, but also are a therapeutic option in those diabetes patients who have developed or are at-risk of developing such complications (e.g. chronic kidney disease/diabetic nephropathy, renal impairment and/or albuminuria).

There is a need that antidiabetic treatments prevent and/or treat preferably both microvascular (renal) complications and macrovascular (CV) complications together, preferably within one therapy.

There is also a need to provide a therapeutic option in those diabetes patients who have developed or are at-risk of developing both microvascular (renal) complications and macrovascular (CV) complications.

Also, there is a need that antidiabetic treatments prevent and/or treat accelerated cognitive decline (which may be associated with micro- and/or macrovascular complications), preferably together with both microvascular (renal) complications and macrovascular (CV) complications, preferably within one therapy.

Moreover, it remains a need to provide prevention or reduction of risk for adverse effects associated with conventional antidiabetic therapies.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to use of a certain DPP-4 inhibitor (preferably linagliptin) in combination with metformin (particularly in the form of metformin hydrochloride) in CKD (chronic kidney disease) patients, particularly in patients having CKD up to stage 3 and/or having estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR; mL/minute/1.73 m²) levels down to 45, or even down to 30, such as in patients with CKD of moderate stage (CKD stage 3, eGFR 30-60), particularly of mild-to-moderate stage (CKD stage 3a) such as having eGFR levels 45-59 or of moderate-to-severe stage such as having eGFR levels 30-44 (CKD stage 3b), optionally in combination with one or more other active substances.

The present invention relates to certain medical uses of a combination or a pharmaceutical composition comprising a certain DPP-4 inhibitor (preferably linagliptin) and metformin (particularly in the form of metformin hydrochloride), such as e.g. for treating and/or preventing metabolic diseases, especially type 2 diabetes mellitus and/or conditions related thereto (e.g. diabetic complications), including in patients with (chronic) renal disease, renal dysfunction or renal impairment, particularly in patients having chronic kidney disease (CKD) such as e.g. up to stage 3 and/or having estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR; mL/minute/1.73 m²) levels down to 45, or even down to 30, such as in patients with (chronic) renal impairment of moderate stage (CKD stage 3, eGFR 30-60), particularly of mild-to-moderate stage (CKD stage 3a) such as having eGFR levels 45-59 or of moderate-to-severe stage such as having eGFR levels 30-44 (CKD stage 3b); optionally in combination with one or more other active substances.

The present invention further relates to the medical use of a combination or a pharmaceutical composition comprising a certain DPP-4 inhibitor (preferably linagliptin) and metformin (particularly in the form of metformin hydrochloride), for treating and/or preventing chronic kidney disease (CKD) such as e.g. up to stage 3 and/or having estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR; mL/minute/1.73 m²) levels down to 45, or even down to 30, such as of moderate stage (CKD stage 3, eGFR 30-60), particularly of mild-to-moderate stage (CKD stage 3a) such as having eGFR levels 45-59 or of moderate-to-severe stage such as having eGFR levels 30-44 (CKD stage 3b); optionally in combination with one or more other active substances (such as e.g. antidiabetic and/or an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor or an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB)).

The present invention yet further relates to a certain DPP-4 inhibitor (preferably linagliptin) in combination with metformin (particularly in the form of metformin hydrochloride) (and optionally in combination with one or more other active agents) for use in therapy, prophylaxis, treatment or prevention of diabetic (preferably type 2 diabetes) patients (preferably for use in cardio- and/or renoprotective therapy preferably of type 2 diabetes in human patients),

including in patients (preferably type 2 diabetes patients) with (chronic) renal disease, renal dysfunction or renal impairment, particularly in patients having chronic kidney disease (CKD) such as e.g. up to stage 3 and/or having estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR; mL/minute/1.73 m²) levels down to 45, or even down to 30, such as in patients with (chronic) renal impairment of moderate stage (CKD stage 3, eGFR 30-60), particularly of mild-to-moderate stage (CKD stage 3a) such as having eGFR levels 45-59 or of moderate-to-severe stage such as having eGFR levels 30-44 (CKD stage 3b); optionally in combination with one or more other active substances.

Further, the present invention relates to a certain DPP-4 inhibitor (preferably linagliptin) for use in combination with metformin (particularly in the form of metformin hydrochloride), such as e.g. such as e.g. for treating type 2 diabetes and treating, decreasing, delaying the onset and/or delaying the progression of diabetic nephropathy, chronic kidney disease, albuminuria (e.g. micro- or macro-albuminuria), renal impairment, retinopathy, neuropathy, learning or memory or cognitive impairment or decline, neurodegenerative or cognitive disorders such as dementia, and/or macrovascular complications such as cardio- or cerebrovascular events such as stroke or myocardial infarction,

in patients with type 2 diabetes and micro- or macroalbuminuria, with or without renal function impairment, such as patients with CKD (chronic kidney disease), particularly patients having CKD up to stage 3 and/or having estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR; mL/minute/1.73 m²) levels down to 45, or even down to 30, such as patients with CKD of moderate stage (CKD stage 3, eGFR 30-60), particularly of mild-to-moderate stage (CKD stage 3a) such as having eGFR levels 45-59 or of moderate-to-severe stage such as having eGFR levels 30-44 (CKD stage 3b), optionally in combination with one or more other active substances.

The present invention relates to a DPP-4 inhibitor (preferably linagliptin) in combination with metformin (particularly in the form of metformin hydrochloride), for use in treating and/or preventing (including slowing the progression or delaying the onset) of metabolic diseases, particularly diabetes (especially type 2 diabetes mellitus) and/or conditions related thereto (e.g. diabetic complications, particularly diabetic chronic kidney disease); including in patients with (chronic) renal disease, renal dysfunction or renal impairment (impairment of renal function), particularly in patients having chronic kidney disease (CKD) such as e.g. up to stage 3 and/or having estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR; mL/minute/1.73 m²) levels down to 45 or even down to 30, such as in patients with (chronic) renal impairment of moderate stage (CKD stage 3, eGFR 30-60), particularly of mild-to-moderate stage (CKD stage 3a) such as having eGFR levels 45-59, or even of moderate-to-severe stage such as having eGFR levels 30-44 (CKD stage 3b), with or without residual albuminuria (micro- or macroalbuminuria), optionally in combination with one or more other active substances.

Accordingly, the present invention further relates to a DPP-4 inhibitor (preferably linagliptin, preferably in a daily dose of 5 mg, administered 5 mg once daily or 2.5 mg twice daily) for use in combination with metformin (particularly in the form of metformin hydrochloride) in treating and/or preventing (including slowing the progression or delaying the onset) of metabolic diseases, particularly diabetes (especially type 2 diabetes mellitus) and/or conditions related thereto (e.g. diabetic complications, such as one or more selected from diabetic chronic kidney disease, nephropathy, micro- or macroalbuminuria, renal impairment, retinopathy, neuropathy, learning or memory or cognitive impairment or decline, neurodegenerative or cognitive disorders such as dementia, and/or macrovascular complications such as cardio- or cerebrovascular events such as stroke and/or myocardial infarction); including in patients with (chronic) renal disease, renal dysfunction or renal impairment (impairment of renal function), particularly in patients having chronic kidney disease (CKD) such as e.g. up to stage 3 and/or having estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR; mL/minute/1.73 m²) levels down to 45 or even down to 30, such as in patients with (chronic) renal impairment of moderate stage (CKD stage 3, eGFR 30-60), particularly of mild-to-moderate stage (CKD stage 3a) such as having eGFR levels 45-59, or even of moderate-to-severe stage such as having eGFR levels 30-44 (CKD stage 3b), with or without residual albuminuria (micro- or macroalbuminuria), optionally in combination with one or more other active substances (such as selected from other antidiabetics and/or ACE inhibitors or ARBs),

particularly wherein the maximum daily dose of metformin (particularly in the form of metformin hydrochloride) administered to patients of mild-to-moderate stage (CKD stage 3a, such as having eGFR levels 45-59) is 2000 mg, and/or

particularly wherein the maximum daily dose of metformin (particularly in the form of metformin hydrochloride) administered to patients of moderate-to-severe stage (CKD stage 3b, such as having eGFR levels 30-44) is 1000 mg.

Also, the present invention relates to a pharmaceutical combination or composition comprising a DPP-4 inhibitor (preferably linagliptin), metformin (particularly in the form of metformin hydrochloride) and optionally one or more pharmaceutically acceptable auxiliaries, for use in treating and/or preventing (including slowing the progression or delaying the onset) of metabolic diseases, particularly diabetes (especially type 2 diabetes mellitus) and/or conditions related thereto (e.g. diabetic complications, particularly diabetic chronic kidney disease), including in patients with (chronic) renal disease, renal dysfunction or renal impairment (impairment of renal function), particularly in patients having chronic kidney disease (CKD) such as e.g. up to stage 3 and/or having estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR; mL/minute/1.73 m²) levels down to 45 or even down to 30, such as in patients with (chronic) renal impairment of moderate stage (CKD stage 3, eGFR 30-60), particularly of mild-to-moderate stage (CKD stage 3a) such as having eGFR levels 45-59, or of moderate-to-severe stage such as having eGFR levels 30-44 (CKD stage 3b), with or without residual albuminuria (micro- or macroalbuminuria); optionally in combination with one or more other active substances.

Also, the present invention relates to a combination therapy comprising using a DPP-4 inhibitor (preferably linagliptin) and metformin (particularly in the form of metformin hydrochloride) for treating and/or preventing (including slowing the progression or delaying the onset) of metabolic diseases, particularly diabetes (especially type 2 diabetes mellitus) and/or conditions related thereto (e.g. diabetic complications, particularly diabetic chronic kidney disease), including in patients with (chronic) renal disease, renal dysfunction or renal impairment (impairment of renal function), particularly in patients having chronic kidney disease (CKD) such as e.g. up to stage 3 and/or having estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR; mL/minute/1.73 m²) levels down to 45 or even down to 30, such as in patients with (chronic) renal impairment of moderate stage (CKD stage 3, eGFR 30-60), particularly of mild-to-moderate stage (CKD stage 3a) such as having eGFR levels 45-59, or of moderate-to-severe stage such as having eGFR levels 30-44 (CKD stage 3b), with or without residual albuminuria (micro- or macroalbuminuria); optionally in combination with one or more other active substances.

The present invention further relates to a certain DPP-4 inhibitor (preferably linagliptin) in combination with metformin (particularly in the form of metformin hydrochloride), and optionally in combination with one or more other active agents, for use in therapy or treatment of diabetes (preferably type 2 diabetes) in (human) patients in need thereof, preferably for use in cardio- and/or renoprotective therapy preferably of type 2 diabetes in human patients, such as e.g. including treating type 2 diabetes and/or preventing diabetic complications

such as decreasing, protecting against, delaying the onset, slowing progression and/or reducing the risk of (cardio)vascular and/or renal morbidity and/or mortality,

such as e.g.

i) treating, preventing or delaying the progression of chronic kidney disease (diabetic nephropathy); and/or

ii) treating, decreasing, preventing, protecting against, delaying the progression, delaying the occurrence and/or reducing the risk of albuminuria (e.g. micro- or macro-albuminuria) and/or renal impairment; and/or

iii) preventing, protecting against, reducing the risk of and/or delaying the occurrence of a cardio- or cerebrovascular disease, complication or event selected from: cardiovascular (CV) death (including fatal stroke, fatal myocardial infarction and sudden death), non-fatal stroke, non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI) (silent MI may be excluded) and, optionally, hospitalization for unstable angina pectoris; and/or

iv) preventing, protecting against, reducing the risk of, delaying the progression and/or delaying the occurrence of a renal microvascular disease, complication or event selected from: renal death, end-stage renal disease and loss in estimated glomerular filtration rate (e.g. eGFR≥50% from baseline); and/or

v) decreasing, preventing, protecting against, delaying (e.g. occurrence or progression) and/or reducing the risk of (accelerated) cognitive decline or cognitive impairment or dementia;

including in patients (preferably type 2 diabetes patients) with (chronic) renal disease, renal dysfunction or renal impairment, particularly in patients having chronic kidney disease (CKD) such as e.g. up to stage 3 and/or having estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR; mL/minute/1.73 m²) levels down to 45, or even down to 30, such as in patients with (chronic) renal impairment of moderate stage (CKD stage 3, eGFR 30-60), particularly of mild-to-moderate stage (CKD stage 3a) such as having eGFR levels 45-59 or of moderate-to-severe stage such as having eGFR levels 30-44 (CKD stage 3b); optionally in combination with one or more other active substances; wherein such patients may be with or at-risk of further (major) (micro- and/or macro-)vascular diseases, complications or events, e.g. such patients may be at high vascular risk.

Other aspects of the present invention become apparent to the skilled person from the foregoing and following remarks (including the examples and claims).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Within the scope of the present invention it has now been found that certain DPP-4 inhibitors as defined herein as well as combinations or pharmaceutical compositions of these DPP-4 inhibitors with metformin (particularly in the form of metformin hydrochloride) as well as their use have particularly useful properties or effects, which make them suitable for the purpose of this invention and/or for fulfilling one or more of the needs mentioned herein.

For example, combinations or pharmaceutical compositions of these DPP-4 inhibitors with metformin (particularly in the form of metformin hydrochloride) are useful for improving glycemic control and/or for treating and/or preventing (including slowing the progression or delaying the onset) of metabolic diseases, particularly diabetes (especially type 2 diabetes mellitus) and/or conditions related thereto (e.g. diabetic complications, particularly diabetic chronic kidney disease, or diabetic nephropathy, micro- or macroalbuminuria and/or renal impairment), such as in drug naïve type 2 diabetes patients and/or in patients with advanced or late stage type 2 diabetes, including patients with insufficient glycemic control despite a therapy with an oral and/or a non-oral antidiabetic or antihyperglycemic drug and/or with indication on insulin; including in patients with (chronic) renal disease, renal dysfunction or renal impairment, particularly in patients having chronic kidney disease (CKD) such as e.g. up to stage 3 and/or having estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR; mL/minute/1.73 m²) levels down to 45 or even down to 30, such as in patients with (chronic) renal impairment of moderate stage (CKD stage 3, eGFR 30-60), particularly of mild-to-moderate stage (CKD stage 3a) such as having eGFR levels 45-59, or even of moderate-to-severe stage such as having eGFR levels 30-44 (CKD stage 3b), with or without residual albuminuria, especially including in patients with (chronic) renal impairment of mild-to-moderate stage (CKD stage 3a) such as having estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] 45-59 mL/minute/1.73 m² or creatinine clearance [CrCl] 45-59 mL/min, optionally in combination with one or more other active substances.

For example, patients having chronic kidney disease (CKD) such as e.g. up to stage 3 and/or having estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR; mL/minute/1.73 m²) levels down to 45 or even down to 30 are amenable to the combination therapy according to the present invention comprising using linagliptin (in a total daily dose of 5 mg) in combination with metformin (e.g. up to maximum total daily dose of 1000 mg metformin hydrochloride (such as e.g. for CKD 3a patients) or 2000 mg metformin hydrochloride (such as e.g. for CKD 3b patients)), preferably using a tablet containing 2.5 mg linagliptin and 500 mg, 850 mg or 1000 mg metformin hydrochloride (in immediate release form) each administered twice daily, or using a tablet containing 5 mg linagliptin and 1000 mg metformin hydrochloride (in extended release form) administered once daily, or using a tablet containing 2.5 mg linagliptin and 750 mg or 1000 mg metformin hydrochloride (in extended release form) each administered as two tablets once daily.

In an embodiment, the maximum daily dose of metformin (particularly in the form of metformin hydrochloride) administered to patients of mild-to-moderate stage (CKD stage 3a, such as having eGFR levels 45-59) may be 2000 mg, which may be given as two divided doses, such as e.g. 1000 mg twice daily; (the starting dose may be at most half of the maximum dose).

In an embodiment, the maximum daily dose of metformin (particularly in the form of metformin hydrochloride) administered to patients of moderate-to-severe stage (CKD stage 3b, such as having eGFR levels 30-44) may be 1000 mg, which may be given as two divided doses, such as e.g. 500 mg twice daily; (the starting dose may be at most half of the maximum dose).

For patients with severe or very severe stage of renal impairment (CKD stage 4, such as having eGFR levels<30; or CKD stage 5, such as having eGFR levels<15, end-stage renal disease), metformin is contraindicated.

The combination therapy according to the present invention using linagliptin (in a total daily dose of 5 mg) in combination with metformin is also useful for patients in need of >1000 mg metformin daily (e.g. 850 mg or 1000 mg metformin hydrochloride BID) for sufficient glycemic control and having chronic kidney disease (CKD), such as e.g. up to stage 3 and/or having estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR; mL/minute/1.73 m²) levels down to 45 (or, in certain instances, even down to 30); preferably by using a tablet containing 2.5 mg linagliptin and 850 mg or 1000 mg metformin hydrochloride (in immediate release form) each administered twice daily, or using a tablet containing 2.5 mg linagliptin and 750 mg or 1000 mg metformin hydrochloride (in extended release form) each administered as two tablets once daily.

For further example, patients in need of >1000 mg metformin daily (e.g. 1000 mg metformin hydrochloride BID) for sufficient glycemic control but with dose limitation for metformin due to renal impairment (e.g. maximum total daily dose of 1000 mg metformin hydrochloride), such as having moderate renal impairment, e.g., in certain instances, patients with (chronic) renal impairment of mild-to-moderate stage (CKD stage 3a) such as having eGFR levels 45-59 mL/minute/1.73 m², or especially of moderate-to-severe stage (CKD stage 3b) such as having eGFR levels 30-44 mL/minute/1.73 m², benefit from the combination therapy according to the present invention comprising using linagliptin (in a total daily dose of 5 mg) in combination with metformin (e.g. up to maximum total daily dose of 1000 mg metformin hydrochloride), preferably using a tablet containing 2.5 mg linagliptin and 500 mg metformin hydrochloride, administered twice daily.

Accordingly, patients with dose limitation for metformin due to renal impairment (e.g. maximum total daily dose of 2000 mg metformin hydrochloride), e.g. with (chronic) renal impairment of mild-to-moderate stage (CKD stage 3a) such as having eGFR levels 45-59 mL/minute/1.73 m², benefit from the combination therapy according to the present invention comprising using linagliptin (in a total daily dose of 5 mg) in combination with metformin (e.g. up to maximum total daily dose of 2000 mg metformin hydrochloride), preferably using a tablet containing 2.5 mg linagliptin and 1000 mg metformin hydrochloride, administered twice daily.

Accordingly, patients with dose limitation for metformin due to renal impairment (e.g. maximum total daily dose of 1000 mg metformin hydrochloride), e.g. with (chronic) renal impairment of moderate-to-severe stage (CKD stage 3b) such as having eGFR levels 30-44 mL/minute/1.73 m², benefit from the combination therapy according to the present invention comprising using linagliptin (in a total daily dose of 5 mg) in combination with metformin (e.g. up to maximum total daily dose of 1000 mg metformin hydrochloride), preferably using a tablet containing 2.5 mg linagliptin and 500 mg metformin hydrochloride, administered twice daily.

In an embodiment, patients on linagliptin (in a total daily dose of 5 mg) in combination with metformin (up to maximum total daily dose of 2000 mg metformin hydrochloride), using a tablet containing 2.5 mg linagliptin and 850 mg, administered twice daily, or a tablet containing 2.5 mg linagliptin and 1000 mg metformin hydrochloride, administered twice daily, can maintain these treatments until they reach an eGFR of 45 mL/min/1.73 m² (this would not be the case for patients using another major DPP-4 inhibitor (gliptin) other than linagliptin, requiring dose adjustment of the DPP-4 inhibitor component leading to change in the treatment scheme, except for linagliptin).

In a further embodiment, patients with an eGFR between 45 and 59 mL/min/1.73 m² (CKD stage 3a) already on the maximum dose of metformin (e.g. maximum total daily dose of 2000 mg metformin hydrochloride) can use linagliptin (in a total daily dose of 5 mg) in combination with metformin (e.g. maximum total daily dose of 2000 mg metformin hydrochloride), preferably using a tablet containing 2.5 mg linagliptin and 1000 mg metformin hydrochloride, administered twice daily, when additional therapy is deemed necessary.

In a further embodiment, patients on linagliptin (in a total daily dose of 5 mg) in combination with metformin (e.g. up to maximum total daily dose of 1000 mg metformin hydrochloride), using a tablet containing 2.5 mg linagliptin and 500 mg, administered twice daily, can maintain these treatments until they reach an eGFR of 30 mL/min/1.73 m² (this would not be the case for patients using another major DPP-4 inhibitor (gliptin) other than linagliptin, requiring dose adjustment of the DPP-4 inhibitor component leading to change in the treatment scheme, except for linagliptin).

In a further embodiment, patients with an eGFR between 30 and 44 mL/min/1.73 m² (CKD stage 3b) already on the maximum dose of metformin (e.g. maximum total daily dose of 1000 mg metformin hydrochloride) can use linagliptin (in a total daily dose of 5 mg) in combination with metformin (e.g. maximum total daily dose of 1000 mg metformin hydrochloride), preferably using a tablet containing 2.5 mg linagliptin and 500 mg metformin hydrochloride, administered twice daily, when additional therapy is deemed necessary.

In a yet further embodiment, patients with an eGFR between 45 and 59 mL/min/1.73 m² (CKD stage 3a) who are not receiving metformin can up-titrate to the maximum dose of metformin (e.g. up to maximum total daily dose of 2000 mg metformin hydrochloride) and can then start to use linagliptin (in a total daily dose of 5 mg) in combination with metformin (e.g. up to maximum total daily dose of 2000 mg metformin hydrochloride), preferably using a tablet containing 2.5 mg linagliptin and 850 mg or 1000 mg metformin hydrochloride, administered twice daily.

In a yet further embodiment, patients with an eGFR between 30 and 44 mL/min/1.73 m² (CKD stage 3b) who are not receiving metformin can up-titrate to the maximum dose of metformin (e.g. up to maximum total daily dose of 1000 mg metformin hydrochloride) and can then start to use linagliptin (in a total daily dose of 5 mg) in combination with metformin (e.g. up to maximum total daily dose of 1000 mg metformin hydrochloride), preferably using a tablet containing 2.5 mg linagliptin and 500 mg metformin hydrochloride, administered twice daily.

In a still yet further embodiment, patients with an eGFR between 45 and 59 mL/min/1.73 m² (CKD stage 3a) who are not receiving metformin can use linagliptin (in a total daily dose of 5 mg) in combination with metformin (e.g. up to maximum total daily dose of 2000 mg metformin hydrochloride), preferably using a tablet containing 2.5 mg linagliptin and 850 mg or 1000 mg metformin hydrochloride, administered twice daily, to start treatment.

In a still yet further embodiment, patients with an eGFR between 30 and 44 mL/min/1.73 m² (CKD stage 3b) who are not receiving metformin can use linagliptin (in a total daily dose of 5 mg) in combination with metformin (e.g. up to maximum total daily dose of 1000 mg metformin hydrochloride), preferably using a tablet containing 2.5 mg linagliptin and 500 mg metformin hydrochloride, administered twice daily, to start treatment.

It has been found that 2.5 mg linagliptin/500 mg metformin hydrochloride BID combination therapy is at least as effective as 1000 mg metformin BID monotherapy, thereby offering an alternative for patients intolerant to such high dose of metformin or with dose limit for metformin due to renal impairment.

The combination therapy according to this invention using a DPP-4 inhibitor (particularly linagliptin) and metformin (e.g. 2.5 mg linagliptin/500 mg metformin hydrochloride BID) is more effective for patients with (chronic) renal impairment, such as of mild-to-moderate stage (CKD stage 3a) or even of moderate-to-severe stage (CKD stage 3b), than metformin alone.

Accordingly, a particular embodiment of the combination therapy according to the present invention for patients with (chronic) renal impairment (CKD) relates to 2.5 mg linagliptin/500 mg metformin hydrochloride BID.

A more particular embodiment of the combination therapy according to the present invention relates to 2.5 mg linagliptin/500 mg metformin hydrochloride administered twice daily to patients with (chronic) renal impairment of moderate-to-severe stage such as having eGFR levels 30-44 (CKD stage 3b).

Further, the combination therapy according to this invention using a DPP-4 inhibitor (particularly linagliptin) and metformin (optionally in combination with one or more further active agents) has beneficial potential on cardio-renal morbidity and/or mortality (cardio- and/or renoprotection) in diabetic kidney disease patients as described herein (especially in type 2 diabetes patients with advanced CKD, such as e.g. having a renal prognosis of high risk or very high risk, and/or over long-term treatment).

For example, the combination therapy according to the present invention using a DPP-4 inhibitor (particularly linagliptin) and metformin (optionally in combination with one or more further active agents)

i) prevents, protects against, reduces the risk of and/or delays the occurrence of a cardio- or cerebrovascular disease, complication or event selected from: cardiovascular (CV) death (including fatal stroke, fatal myocardial infarction and sudden death), non-fatal stroke, non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI) (silent MI may be excluded) and, optionally, hospitalization for unstable angina pectoris; and/or

ii) prevents, protects against, reduces the risk of, delays the progression and/or delays the occurrence of a renal microvascular disease, complication or event selected from: renal death, end-stage renal disease and loss in estimated glomerular filtration rate (e.g. eGFR≥50% from baseline).

For further example, the combination therapy according to the present invention using a DPP-4 inhibitor (particularly linagliptin) and metformin (optionally in combination with one or more further active agents)

i) prevents, protects against, reduces the risk of, delays the progression and/or delays the occurrence of a renal microvascular disease, complication or event selected from: renal death, end-stage renal disease and loss in estimated glomerular filtration rate (e.g. eGFR≥50% from baseline).

For yet further example, the combination therapy according to the present invention using a DPP-4 inhibitor (particularly linagliptin) and metformin (optionally in combination with one or more further active agents)

i) decreases, prevents, protects against, delays (e.g. occurrence or progression) and/or reduces the risk of (accelerated) cognitive decline or cognitive impairment or dementia.

For yet further example, the combination therapy according to the present invention using a DPP-4 inhibitor (particularly linagliptin) and metformin (optionally in combination with one or more further active agents)

i) treats, decreases, prevents, protects against, delays (e.g. occurrence or progression) and/or reduces the risk of diabetic nephropathy.

For yet further example, the combination therapy according to the present invention using a DPP-4 inhibitor (particularly linagliptin) and metformin (optionally in combination with one or more further active agents)

i) treats, decreases, prevents, protects against, delays (e.g. occurrence or progression) and/or reduces the risk of albuminuria (e.g. micro- or macroalbuminuria).

For yet further example, the combination therapy according to the present invention using a DPP-4 inhibitor (particularly linagliptin) and metformin (optionally in combination with one or more further active agents)

i) treats, decreases, prevents, protects against, delays (e.g. occurrence or progression) and/or reduces the risk of renal impairment.

Accordingly, a combination therapy according to the present invention using a DPP-4 inhibitor (particularly linagliptin) and metformin is particularly useful for treating and/or preventing (including delaying the onset or slowing the progression) of metabolic diseases, particularly diabetes (especially type 2 diabetes mellitus) and/or conditions related thereto (e.g. diabetic complications, particularly diabetic chronic kidney disease, or diabetic nephropathy, micro- or macroalbuminuria and/or renal impairment), in patients with (chronic) renal disease, renal dysfunction or renal impairment, particularly in patients having chronic kidney disease (CKD) such as e.g. up to stage 3 and/or having estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR; mL/minute/1.73 m²) levels down to 45 or even down to 30, such as in patients with (chronic) renal impairment of moderate stage (CKD stage 3, eGFR 30-60), particularly of mild-to-moderate stage (CKD stage 3a) such as having eGFR levels 45-59, or even of moderate-to-severe stage such as having eGFR levels 30-44 (CKD stage 3b), with or without albuminuria, especially including in patients with (chronic) renal impairment of mild-to-moderate stage (CKD stage 3a) having eGFR levels 45-59;

optionally in combination with one or more other active substances, such as e.g. any of those mentioned herein,

such as e.g. optionally in combination with one or more other antidiabetics such as selected from a sulphonylurea, a thiazolidinedione (e.g. pioglitazone), a glinide, an alpha-glucosidase blocker, GLP-1 or a GLP-1 analogue, and insulin or an insulin analogue, and/or an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor or an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB).

Further, the combination therapy according to the present invention using a DPP-4 inhibitor (particularly linagliptin) and metformin is particularly useful for treating and/or preventing (including delaying the onset or slowing the progression) of renal microvascular disease, such as selected from (diabetic) chronic kidney disease (CKD), diabetic nephropathy, albuminuria (e.g. micro- or macro-albuminuria), renal impairment, renal death, end-stage renal disease and/or loss in estimated glomerular filtration rate (e.g. eGFR>=50% from baseline), in patients (particularly in type 2 diabetes patients) with (chronic) renal disease, renal dysfunction or renal impairment, particularly in patients having chronic kidney disease (CKD, particularly advanced CKD), such as e.g. up to stage 3 and/or having estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR; mL/minute/1.73 m²) levels down to 45 or even down to 30, such as in patients with (chronic) renal impairment of moderate stage (CKD stage 3, eGFR 30-60), particularly of mild-to-moderate stage (CKD stage 3a) such as having eGFR levels 45-59, or even of moderate-to-severe stage such as having eGFR levels 30-44 (CKD stage 3b), with or without albuminuria, especially including in patients with (chronic) renal impairment of mild-to-moderate stage (CKD stage 3a) having eGFR levels 45-59; optionally in combination with one or more other active substances, such as e.g. any of those mentioned herein,

such as e.g. optionally in combination with one or more other antidiabetics such as selected from a sulphonylurea, a thiazolidinedione (e.g. pioglitazone), a glinide, an alpha-glucosidase blocker, GLP-1 or a GLP-1 analogue, and insulin or an insulin analogue, and/or an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor or an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB); particularly over long-term treatment.

An embodiment of patients with (chronic) renal impairment (CKD) as described herein relates to type 2 diabetes patients having impaired renal function such as indicated herein with micro- or macroalbuminuria (e.g. urine albumin creatinine ratio (UACR) 30-3000 mg/g creatinine).

Another embodiment of patients with (chronic) renal impairment (CKD) as described herein relates to type 2 diabetes patients having impaired renal function such as indicated herein without micro- or macroalbuminuria (e.g. urine albumin creatinine ratio (UACR) 30-3000 mg/g creatinine).

A sub-embodiment of patients with (chronic) renal impairment (CKD) as described herein relates to type 2 diabetes patients having impaired renal function of moderate-to-severe stage (CKD 3b) with any albuminuria (e.g. urine albumin creatinine ratio (UACR)>=30 mg/g creatinine).

Another sub-embodiment of patients with (chronic) renal impairment (CKD) as described herein relates to type 2 diabetes patients having impaired renal function of up to mild-to-moderate stage (CKD 3a) with macro-album inuria (e.g. urine albumin creatinine ratio (UACR)>200 mg/g or >300 mg/g creatinine).

A further embodiment of patients with (chronic) renal impairment (CKD) as described herein relates to type 2 diabetes patients at early stages of prevalent renal microvascular complications, such as e.g. having microalbuminuria (e.g. 30-200 or 30-300 mg/g creatinine) and/or early impaired renal function (eGFR, and/or early CKD stage).

Another further embodiment of patients with (chronic) renal impairment (CKD) as described herein relates to type 2 diabetes patients at advanced stages of prevalent renal microvascular complications, such as e.g. having macroalbuminuria (e.g. >200 or >300 mg/g creatinine) and/or advanced impaired renal function (eGFR, and/or advanced CKD stage).

A further embodiment of patients with (chronic) renal impairment (CKD) as described herein relates to type 2 diabetes patients having micro- or macroalbuminuria; optionally with or without renal function impairment.

A yet further embodiment of patients with (chronic) renal impairment (CKD) as described herein relates to type 2 diabetes patients having microalbuminuria, with renal function impairment.

A yet further embodiment of patients with (chronic) renal impairment (CKD) as described herein relates to type 2 diabetes patients having macroalbuminuria, with renal function impairment.

A yet further embodiment of patients with (chronic) renal impairment (CKD) as described herein relates to type 2 diabetes patients having a renal prognosis of high risk or very high risk (such as defined by eGFR and albuminuria categories at baseline).

A further embodiment of patients with (chronic) renal impairment (CKD) as described herein relates to type 2 diabetes patients having impaired renal function such as indicated herein, with or without micro- or macroalbuminuria, and having a previous macrovascular disease (e.g. myocardial infarction, coronary artery disease, stroke, carotid artery disease or peripheral artery disease).

In a further embodiment, the patients as described herein are treated with a DPP-4 inhibitor (particularly linagliptin) and metformin (particularly in the form of metformin hydrochloride) on top of or in add-on combination with one or more other (conventional) antidiabetics and/or an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor or an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB).

In a further embodiment, the patients as described herein may be with or at-risk of further (major) (micro- and/or macro-)vascular diseases, complications or events, such as e.g. such patients may be at high vascular risk.

For example, such patients at high vascular risk may have:

both

albuminuria (e.g. micro- or macro-albuminuria)

and

previous macrovascular (e.g. cardio- or cerebrovascular) disease (such as e.g. myocardial infarction, coronary artery disease, (ischemic or haemorrhagic) stroke, carotid artery disease and/or peripheral artery disease),

and/or

either

(mild or moderate) renal impairment (e.g. CKD stage 1, 2 or 3, such as CKD stage 1, 2 (mild) or 3a (mild-moderate), preferably eGFR≥45-75 mL/min/1.73 m²) with macro-albuminuria, or

(moderate [or severe]) renal impairment (e.g. CKD stage 3 [or 4], such as CKD stage 3b (moderate-severe) [or 4 (severe), preferably eGFR 15-45 mL/min/1.73 m²]), with or without any albuminuria (such as e.g. with or without micro- or macro-albuminuria).

In more detail, such a patient at high vascular risk (e.g. at high risk of CV events) may be a patient (preferably diabetic, particularly type 2 diabetes patients) as follows:

with

albuminuria (such as e.g. urine albumin creatinine ratio (UACR)≥30 mg/g creatinine or ≥30 mg/l (milligram albumin per liter of urine) or ≥30 μg/min (microgram albumin per minute) or ≥30 mg/24 h (milligram albumin per 24 hours)) and

previous macrovascular disease, such as e.g. defined as one or more of a) to f):

a) previous myocardial infarction,

b) advanced coronary artery disease,

c) high-risk single-vessel coronary artery disease,

d) previous ischemic or haemorrhagic stroke,

e) presence of carotid artery disease,

f) presence of peripheral artery disease,

and/or

with

impaired renal function (e.g. with or without CV co-morbidities), such as e.g. defined by:

-   -   impaired renal function (e.g. as defined by MDRD formula) with         an eGFR [15 or] 30-45 mL/min/1.73 m² with any urine albumin         creatinine ratio (UACR), and/or     -   impaired renal function (e.g. as defined by MDRD formula) with         an eGFR≥45-75 mL/min/1.73 m² with an urine albumin creatinine         ratio (UACR)>200 mg/g creatinine or >200 mg/l (milligram albumin         per liter of urine) or >200 μg/min (microgram albumin per         minute) or >200 mg/24 h (milligram albumin per 24 hours).

The present invention relates to a combination or a pharmaceutical composition comprising a certain DPP-4 inhibitor (particularly linagliptin) and metformin (particularly in the form of metformin hydrochloride) such as for simultaneous, separate or sequential use in the therapies or treatments described herein.

The present invention also relates to a fixed or free combination or pharmaceutical composition comprising, consisting essentially of or made of

a certain DPP-4 inhibitor (particularly linagliptin) and metformin (particularly in the form of metformin hydrochloride) each as defined herein,

and optionally one or more pharmaceutically acceptable auxiliaries (such as e.g. including excipients, stabilizers, carriers or the like), for medical uses as described herein,

such as e.g. for improving glycemic control and/or for use in treating and/or preventing (including slowing the progression and/or delaying the onset) of metabolic diseases, especially type 2 diabetes mellitus and/or conditions related thereto (e.g. diabetic complications, such as e.g. diabetic chronic kidney disease, diabetic nephropathy, micro- or macroalbuminuria, renal impairment, diabetic retinopathy and/or diabetic neuropathy, and/or a macrovascular complication), such as e.g.

either as first line therapy, i.e. in type 2 diabetes patients who have not previously treated with an antihyperglycemic agent (drug-naïve patients),

or as second or third line therapy, i.e. in type 2 diabetes patients with insufficient glycemic control despite therapy with one or two conventional antihyperglycemic agents selected from metformin, sulphonylureas, thiazolidinediones (e.g. pioglitazone), glinides, alpha-glucosidase blockers, GLP-1 or GLP-1 analogues, and insulin or insulin analogues;

including in patients with (chronic) renal disease, renal dysfunction or renal impairment, particularly in patients having chronic kidney disease (CKD) such as e.g. up to stage 3 and/or having estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR; mL/minute/1.73 m²) levels down to 45 or even down to 30, such as in patients with (chronic) renal impairment of moderate stage (CKD stage 3, eGFR 30-60), particularly of mild-to-moderate stage (CKD stage 3a) such as having eGFR levels 45-59, or even of moderate-to-severe stage such as having eGFR levels 30-44 (CKD stage 3b);

optionally in combination with one or more other active substances, such as e.g. any of those mentioned herein,

such as e.g. optionally in combination with one conventional antihyperglycemic agent selected from sulphonylureas, thiazolidinediones (e.g. pioglitazone), glinides, alpha-glucosidase blockers, GLP-1 or GLP-1 analogues, and insulin or insulin analogues, and/or angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or an angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs).

The present invention also relates to medical uses as described herein of a pharmaceutical composition comprising a fixed dose combination formulation of a DPP-4 inhibitor and metformin (particularly in the form of metformin hydrochloride) and optionally one or more pharmaceutically acceptable auxiliaries.

In one embodiment, the present invention also relates to a fixed or free combination or pharmaceutical composition comprising or consisting essentially of a DPP-4 inhibitor (particularly linagliptin), metformin (particularly in the form of metformin hydrochloride) and optionally one or more pharmaceutically acceptable auxiliaries, for use in treating and/or preventing (including slowing the progression and/or delaying the onset) of metabolic diseases, especially type 2 diabetes mellitus and/or conditions related thereto (e.g. diabetic complications), such as e.g.

either as first line therapy, i.e. in type 2 diabetes patients who have not previously treated with an antihyperglycemic agent (drug-naïve patients),

or as second or third line therapy, i.e. in type 2 diabetes patients with insufficient glycemic control despite therapy with one or two conventional antihyperglycemic agents selected from metformin, sulphonylureas, thiazolidinediones, glinides, alpha-glucosidase blockers, GLP-1 or GLP-1 analogues, and insulin or insulin analogues;

including in patients with (chronic) renal disease, renal dysfunction or renal impairment, particularly in patients having chronic kidney disease (CKD) such as e.g. up to stage 3 and/or having estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR; mL/minute/1.73 m²) levels down to 45 or even down to 30, such as in patients with (chronic) renal impairment of moderate stage (CKD stage 3, eGFR 30-60), particularly of mild-to-moderate stage (CKD stage 3a) having eGFR levels 45-59, or even of moderate-to-severe stage having eGFR levels 30-44 (CKD stage 3b);

optionally in combination with one or more other active substances,

such as e.g. optionally in combination with one or more other antidiabetics such as selected from sulphonylureas, thiazolidinediones (e.g. pioglitazone), glinides, alpha-glucosidase blockers, GLP-1 or GLP-1 analogues, and insulin or insulin analogues, and/or an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor or an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB).

In a particular embodiment, the present invention relates to a combination or pharmaceutical composition comprising a DPP-4 inhibitor (particularly linagliptin), metformin (particularly in the form of metformin hydrochloride) and optionally one or more pharmaceutically acceptable auxiliaries, for use in treating and/or preventing (including slowing the progression and/or delaying the onset) of metabolic diseases, especially type 2 diabetes mellitus and/or conditions related thereto (e.g. diabetic complications, such as e.g. diabetic chronic kidney disease, diabetic nephropathy, micro- or macroalbuminuria, renal impairment, diabetic retinopathy and/or diabetic neuropathy, and/or a macrovascular complication such as a cardio- or cerebrovascular event), in type 2 diabetes patients with insufficient glycemic control despite mono-therapy with metformin;

wherein the patients have (chronic) renal disease, renal dysfunction or renal impairment, particularly in patients having chronic kidney disease (CKD) such as e.g. up to stage 3 and/or having estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR; mL/minute/1.73 m²) levels down to 45 or even down to 30, such as in patients with (chronic) renal impairment of moderate stage (CKD stage 3, eGFR 30-60), particularly of mild-to-moderate stage (CKD stage 3a) having eGFR levels 45-59, or even of moderate-to-severe stage having eGFR levels 30-44 (CKD stage 3b).

In another particular embodiment, the present invention also relates to a combination or pharmaceutical composition comprising a DPP-4 inhibitor (particularly linagliptin), metformin (particularly in the form of metformin hydrochloride) and optionally one or more pharmaceutically acceptable auxiliaries, for use in combination with a sulphonylurea in treating and/or preventing (including slowing the progression and/or delaying the onset) of metabolic diseases, especially type 2 diabetes mellitus and/or conditions related thereto (e.g. diabetic complications, such as e.g. diabetic chronic kidney disease, diabetic nephropathy, micro- or macroalbuminuria, renal impairment, diabetic retinopathy and/or diabetic neuropathy, and/or a macrovascular complication such as a cardio- or cerebrovascular event), in type 2 diabetes patients with insufficient glycemic control despite dual combination therapy with metformin and a sulphonylurea;

wherein the patients have (chronic) renal disease, renal dysfunction or renal impairment, particularly patients having chronic kidney disease (CKD) such as e.g. up to stage 3 and/or having estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR; mL/minute/1.73 m²) levels down to 45 or even down to 30, such as patients with (chronic) renal impairment of moderate stage (CKD stage 3, eGFR 30-60), particularly of mild-to-moderate stage (CKD stage 3a) having eGFR levels 45-59 or even of moderate-to-severe stage having eGFR levels 30-44 (CKD stage 3b).

In another particular embodiment, the present invention also relates to a combination or pharmaceutical composition comprising a DPP-4 inhibitor (particularly linagliptin), metformin (particularly in the form of metformin hydrochloride) and optionally one or more pharmaceutically acceptable auxiliaries, for use in combination with a thiazolidinedione (e.g. pioglitazone) in treating and/or preventing (including slowing the progression and/or delaying the onset) of metabolic diseases, especially type 2 diabetes mellitus and/or conditions related thereto (e.g. diabetic complications, such as e.g. diabetic chronic kidney disease, diabetic nephropathy, micro- or macroalbuminuria, renal impairment, diabetic retinopathy and/or diabetic neuropathy, and/or a macrovascular complication such as a cardio- or cerebrovascular event), in type 2 diabetes patients with insufficient glycemic control despite dual combination therapy with metformin and a thiazolidinedione (e.g. pioglitazone); wherein the patients have (chronic) renal disease, renal dysfunction or renal impairment, particularly patients having chronic kidney disease (CKD) such as e.g. up to stage 3 and/or having estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR; mL/minute/1.73 m²) levels down to 45 or even down to 30, such as patients with (chronic) renal impairment of moderate stage (CKD stage 3, eGFR 30-60), particularly of mild-to-moderate stage (CKD stage 3a) having eGFR levels 45-59 or even of moderate-to-severe stage having eGFR levels 30-44 (CKD stage 3b).

In another particular embodiment, the present invention also relates to a combination or pharmaceutical composition comprising a DPP-4 inhibitor (particularly linagliptin), metformin (particularly in the form of metformin hydrochloride) and optionally one or more pharmaceutically acceptable auxiliaries, for use in combination with an insulin (e.g. basal insulin) in treating and/or preventing (including slowing the progression and/or delaying the onset) of metabolic diseases, especially type 2 diabetes mellitus and/or conditions related thereto (e.g. diabetic complications, such as e.g. diabetic chronic kidney disease, diabetic nephropathy, micro- or macroalbuminuria, renal impairment, diabetic retinopathy and/or diabetic neuropathy, and/or a macrovascular complication such as a cardio- or cerebrovascular event), in type 2 diabetes patients with insufficient glycemic control despite dual combination therapy with metformin and an insulin (e.g. basal insulin);

wherein the patients have (chronic) renal disease, renal dysfunction or renal impairment, particularly patients having chronic kidney disease (CKD) such as e.g. up to stage 3 and/or having estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR; mL/minute/1.73 m²) levels down to 45 or even down to 30, such as patients with (chronic) renal impairment of moderate stage (CKD stage 3, eGFR 30-60), particularly of mild-to-moderate stage (CKD stage 3a) having eGFR levels 45-59 or even of moderate-to-severe stage having eGFR levels 30-44 (CKD stage 3b).

In another particular embodiment, the present invention also relates to a combination or pharmaceutical composition comprising a DPP-4 inhibitor (particularly linagliptin), metformin (particularly in the form of metformin hydrochloride) and optionally one or more pharmaceutically acceptable auxiliaries, for use in treating and/or preventing (including slowing the progression and/or delaying the onset) of metabolic diseases, especially type 2 diabetes mellitus and/or conditions related thereto (e.g. diabetic complications), in drug-naïve type 2 diabetes patients (e.g. as first line therapy), such as e.g. as early or initial combination therapy;

wherein the patients have (chronic) renal disease, renal dysfunction or renal impairment, particularly patients having chronic kidney disease (CKD) such as e.g. up to stage 3 and/or having estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR; mL/minute/1.73 m²) levels down to 45 or even down to 30, such as patients with (chronic) renal impairment of moderate stage (CKD stage 3, eGFR 30-60), particularly of mild-to-moderate stage (CKD stage 3a) having eGFR levels 45-59 or even of moderate-to-severe stage having eGFR levels 30-44 (CKD stage 3b).

The present invention further provides the use of a combination or pharmaceutical composition comprising a DPP-4 inhibitor (particularly linagliptin), metformin (particularly in the form of metformin hydrochloride) and optionally one or more pharmaceutically acceptable auxiliaries, for the manufacture of a medicament for treating and/or preventing metabolic diseases, particularly type 2 diabetes mellitus and/or conditions related thereto (e.g. diabetic complications), e.g. as first, second or third line therapy as described herein, including in the patients as described herein.

The present invention further relates to a pharmaceutical package comprising a pharmaceutical composition as defined herein and optionally instructions for its use, optionally in combination with one or more other active substances, in the treatment and/or prevention of metabolic diseases, particularly type 2 diabetes mellitus and/or conditions related thereto (e.g. diabetic complications), such as e.g. in drug-naïve patients or in patients with insufficient glycemic control despite therapy with one or two conventional antihyperglycemic agents selected from metformin, sulphonylureas, thiazolidinediones, glinides, alpha-glucosidase blockers, GLP-1 or GLP-1 analogues, and insulin or insulin analogues; preferably in patients with (chronic) renal disease, renal dysfunction or renal impairment, particularly in patients having chronic kidney disease (CKD) such as e.g. up to stage 3 and/or having estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR; mL/minute/1.73 m²) levels down to 45 or even down to 30, such as in patients with (chronic) renal impairment of moderate stage (CKD stage 3, eGFR 30-60), particularly of mild-to-moderate stage (CKD stage 3a) such as having eGFR levels 45-59, or even of moderate-to-severe stage such as having eGFR levels 30-44 (CKD stage 3b).

The present invention further relates to a medicament for use in the treatment and/or prevention of metabolic diseases, particularly type 2 diabetes mellitus and/or conditions related thereto (e.g. diabetic complications), such as e.g. in drug-naïve patients or in patients with insufficient glycemic control despite therapy with one or two conventional antihyperglycemic agents selected from metformin, sulphonylureas, thiazolidinediones, glinides, alpha-glucosidase blockers, GLP-1 or GLP-1 analogues, and insulin or insulin analogues; preferably in patients with (chronic) renal disease, renal dysfunction or renal impairment, particularly in patients having chronic kidney disease (CKD) such as e.g. up to stage 3 and/or having estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR; mL/minute/1.73 m²) levels down to 45 or even down to 30, such as in patients with (chronic) renal impairment of moderate stage (CKD stage 3, eGFR 30-60), particularly of mild-to-moderate stage (CKD stage 3a) such as having eGFR levels 45-59, or even of moderate-to-severe stage such as having eGFR levels 30-44 (CKD stage 3b); said medicament comprising a pharmaceutical composition comprising a DPP-4 inhibitor (particularly linagliptin), metformin (particularly in the form of metformin hydrochloride) and optionally one or more pharmaceutically acceptable auxiliaries; optionally in combination with one or more other active substances, such as e.g. any of those mentioned herein, such as e.g. for separate, sequential, simultaneous, concurrent or chronologically staggered use of the active ingredients.

The present invention further provides a method of treating and/or preventing metabolic diseases, particularly type 2 diabetes mellitus and/or conditions related thereto (e.g. diabetic complications), such as e.g. in drug-naïve patients (e.g. as first line therapy) or in patients with insufficient glycemic control despite therapy with one or two conventional antihyperglycemic agents selected from metformin, sulphonylureas, thiazolidinediones, glinides, alpha-glucosidase blockers, GLP-1 or GLP-1 analogues, and insulin or insulin analogues (e.g. as second or third line therapy); preferably in patients with (chronic) renal disease, renal dysfunction or renal impairment, particularly in patients having chronic kidney disease (CKD) such as e.g. up to stage 3 and/or having estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR; mL/minute/1.73 m²) levels down to 45 or even down to 30, such as in patients with (chronic) renal impairment of moderate stage (CKD stage 3, eGFR 30-60), particularly of mild-to-moderate stage (CKD stage 3a) such as having eGFR levels 45-59, or even of moderate-to-severe stage such as having eGFR levels 30-44 (CKD stage 3b); said method comprising administering to a subject in need thereof (particularly a human patient) an effective amount of a pharmaceutically composition comprising a DPP-4 inhibitor (particularly linagliptin), metformin (particularly in the form of metformin hydrochloride) and optionally one or more pharmaceutically acceptable auxiliaries, optionally alone or in combination, such as e.g. separately, sequentially, simultaneously, concurrently or chronologically staggered, with an effective amount of one or more other active substances, such as e.g. any of those mentioned herein.

In a particular embodiment, the present invention provides a method of treating and/or preventing metabolic diseases, particularly type 2 diabetes mellitus and/or conditions related thereto (e.g. diabetic complications), in drug-naïve patients (e.g. as first line therapy); including in patients with (chronic) renal disease, renal dysfunction or renal impairment, particularly in patients having chronic kidney disease (CKD) such as e.g. up to stage 3 and/or having estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR; mL/minute/1.73 m²) levels down to 45 or even down to 30, such as in patients with (chronic) renal impairment of moderate stage (CKD stage 3, eGFR 30-60), particularly of mild-to-moderate stage (CKD stage 3a) having eGFR levels 45-59, or even of moderate-to-severe stage having eGFR levels 30-44 (CKD stage 3b); said method comprising administering to a subject in need thereof (particularly a human patient) an effective amount of a pharmaceutically composition of a DPP-4 inhibitor (particularly linagliptin) and metformin (particularly in the form of metformin hydrochloride) such as described herein.

In another particular embodiment, the present invention provides a method of treating and/or preventing metabolic diseases, particularly type 2 diabetes mellitus and/or conditions related thereto (e.g. diabetic complications), in patients with insufficient glycemic control despite mono-therapy with metformin (e.g. as second line therapy); including in patients with (chronic) renal disease, renal dysfunction or renal impairment, particularly in patients having chronic kidney disease (CKD) such as e.g. up to stage 3 and/or having estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR; mL/minute/1.73 m²) levels down to 45 or even down to 30, such as in patients with (chronic) renal impairment of moderate stage (CKD stage 3, eGFR 30-60), particularly of mild-to-moderate stage (CKD stage 3a) having eGFR levels 45-59, or even of moderate-to-severe stage having eGFR levels 30-44 (CKD stage 3b); said method comprising administering to a subject in need thereof (particularly a human patient) an effective amount of a pharmaceutically composition of a DPP-4 inhibitor (particularly linagliptin) and metformin (particularly in the form of metformin hydrochloride) such as described herein.

In another particular embodiment, the present invention provides a method of treating and/or preventing metabolic diseases, particularly type 2 diabetes mellitus and/or conditions related thereto (e.g. diabetic complications), in patients with insufficient glycemic control despite dual combination therapy with metformin and a thiazolidinedione (e.g. as third line therapy); including in patients with (chronic) renal disease, renal dysfunction or renal impairment, particularly in patients having chronic kidney disease (CKD) such as e.g. up to stage 3 and/or having estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR; mL/minute/1.73 m²) levels down to 45 or even down to 30, such as in patients with (chronic) renal impairment of moderate stage (CKD stage 3, eGFR 30-60), particularly of mild-to-moderate stage (CKD stage 3a) having eGFR levels 45-59, or even of moderate-to-severe stage having eGFR levels 30-44 (CKD stage 3b); said method comprising administering to a subject in need thereof (particularly a human patient) an effective amount of a pharmaceutically composition of a DPP-4 inhibitor (particularly linagliptin) and metformin (particularly in the form of metformin hydrochloride) such as described herein, and a thiazolidinedione.

In another particular embodiment, the present invention provides a method of treating and/or preventing metabolic diseases, particularly type 2 diabetes mellitus and/or conditions related thereto (e.g. diabetic complications), in patients with insufficient glycemic control despite dual combination therapy with metformin and a sulphonylurea (e.g. as third line therapy); including in patients with (chronic) renal disease, renal dysfunction or renal impairment, particularly in patients having chronic kidney disease (CKD) such as e.g. up to stage 3 and/or having estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR; mL/minute/1.73 m²) levels down to 45 or even down to 30, such as in patients with (chronic) renal impairment of moderate stage (CKD stage 3, eGFR 30-60), particularly of mild-to-moderate stage (CKD stage 3a) having eGFR levels 45-59, or even of moderate-to-severe stage having eGFR levels 30-44 (CKD stage 3b); said method comprising administering to a subject in need thereof (particularly a human patient) an effective amount of a pharmaceutically composition of a DPP-4 inhibitor (particularly linagliptin) and metformin (particularly in the form of metformin hydrochloride) such as described herein, and a sulphonylurea.

In a further embodiment, the present invention provides a method of treating and/or preventing metabolic diseases, particularly type 2 diabetes mellitus and/or conditions related thereto (e.g. diabetic complications), in patients with insufficient glycemic control despite dual combination therapy with metformin and insulin or insulin analog; including in patients with (chronic) renal disease, renal dysfunction or renal impairment, particularly in patients having chronic kidney disease (CKD) such as e.g. up to stage 3 and/or having estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR; mL/minute/1.73 m²) levels down to 45 or even down to 30, such as in patients with (chronic) renal impairment of moderate stage (CKD stage 3, eGFR 30-60), particularly of mild-to-moderate stage (CKD stage 3a) having eGFR levels 45-59, or even of moderate-to-severe stage having eGFR levels 30-44 (CKD stage 3b); said method comprising administering to a subject in need thereof (particularly a human patient) an effective amount of a pharmaceutically composition of a DPP-4 inhibitor (particularly linagliptin) and metformin (particularly in the form of metformin hydrochloride) such as described herein, and insulin or insulin analog.

In a further embodiment, the present invention provides a method of treating and/or preventing metabolic diseases, particularly type 2 diabetes mellitus and/or conditions related thereto (e.g. diabetic complications), in patients treated with insulin or insulin analog; including in patients with (chronic) renal disease, renal dysfunction or renal impairment, particularly in patients having chronic kidney disease (CKD) such as e.g. up to stage 3 and/or having estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR; mL/minute/1.73 m²) levels down to 45 or even down to 30, such as in patients with (chronic) renal impairment of moderate stage (CKD stage 3, eGFR 30-60), particularly of mild-to-moderate stage (CKD stage 3a) having eGFR levels 45-59, or even of moderate-to-severe stage having eGFR levels 30-44 (CKD stage 3b); said method comprising administering to a subject in need thereof (particularly a human patient) an effective amount of a pharmaceutically composition of a DPP-4 inhibitor (particularly linagliptin) and metformin (particularly in the form of metformin hydrochloride) such as described herein, thereby replacing said insulin or insulin analog (i.e. switching from insulin therapy to a BI 1356 & metformin combination according to this invention).

Examples of metabolic disorders or diseases amenable by the therapy of this invention may include, without being limited to, type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, diabetic complications (e.g. as described herein), impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), impaired fasting blood glucose (IFG), hyperglycemia, postprandial hyperglycemia, postabsorptive hyperglycemia, latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA), overweight, obesity, dyslipidemia, hyperlipidemia, hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, hyperNEFA-emia, fasting or postprandial hyperlipidemia such as postprandial lipemia (e.g. postprandial hypertriglyceridemia), hypertension, atherosclerosis, endothelial dysfunction, osteoporosis, chronic systemic inflammation, non alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), retinopathy, neuropathy, nephropathy, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and/or metabolic syndrome.

The present invention further relates to a certain DPP-4 inhibitor (preferably linagliptin) in combination with metformin (particularly in the form of metformin hydrochloride), and optionally in combination with one or more other active agents, for use in at least one of the following methods:

-   -   preventing, slowing the progression of, delaying the onset of or         treating a metabolic disorder or disease, such as e.g. type 1         diabetes mellitus, type 2 diabetes mellitus, impaired glucose         tolerance (IGT), impaired fasting blood glucose (IFG),         hyperglycemia, postprandial hyperglycemia, postabsorptive         hyperglycemia, latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA),         overweight, obesity, dyslipidemia, hyperlipidemia,         hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, hyperNEFA-emia,         postprandial lipemia (e.g. postprandial hypertriglyceridemia),         hypertension, atherosclerosis, endothelial dysfunction,         osteoporosis, chronic systemic inflammation, non alcoholic fatty         liver disease (NAFLD), retinopathy, neuropathy, nephropathy,         polycystic ovarian syndrome, and/or metabolic syndrome;     -   improving and/or maintaining glycemic control and/or for         reducing of fasting plasma glucose, of postprandial plasma         glucose, of postabsorptive plasma glucose and/or of glycosylated         hemoglobin HbA1c, or preventing, reducing the risk of, slowing         the progression of, delaying the onset of or treating worsening         or deterioration of glycemic control, need for insulin therapy         or elevated HbA1c despite treatment;     -   preventing, slowing, delaying the onset of or reversing         progression from pre-diabetes, impaired glucose tolerance (IGT),         impaired fasting blood glucose (IFG), insulin resistance and/or         from metabolic syndrome to type 2 diabetes mellitus;     -   preventing, reducing the risk of, slowing the progression of,         delaying the onset of or treating of complications of diabetes         mellitus such as micro- and macrovascular diseases, such as         nephropathy, micro- or macroalbuminuria, proteinuria,         retinopathy, cataracts, neuropathy, learning or memory or         cognitive impairment or decline, neurodegenerative or cognitive         disorders (e.g. dementia), cardio- or cerebrovascular diseases,         tissue ischaemia, diabetic foot or ulcus, atherosclerosis,         hypertension, endothelial dysfunction, myocardial infarction,         acute coronary syndrome, unstable angina pectoris, stable angina         pectoris, peripheral arterial occlusive disease, cardiomyopathy,         heart failure, heart rhythm disorders, vascular restenosis,         and/or stroke;     -   reducing body weight and/or body fat and/or liver fat and/or         intra-myocellular fat or preventing an increase in body weight         and/or body fat and/or liver fat and/or intra-myocellular fat or         facilitating a reduction in body weight and/or body fat and/or         liver fat and/or intra-myocellular fat;     -   preventing, slowing, delaying the onset of or treating the         degeneration of pancreatic beta cells and/or the decline of the         functionality of pancreatic beta cells and/or for improving,         preserving and/or restoring the functionality of pancreatic beta         cells and/or stimulating and/or restoring or protecting the         functionality of pancreatic insulin secretion;     -   preventing, slowing, delaying the onset of or treating non         alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) including hepatic         steatosis, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and/or liver         fibrosis (such as e.g. preventing, slowing the progression,         delaying the onset of, attenuating, treating or reversing         hepatic steatosis, (hepatic) inflammation and/or an abnormal         accumulation of liver fat);     -   preventing, slowing the progression of, delaying the onset of or         treating type 2 diabetes with failure to conventional         antidiabetic mono- or combination therapy;     -   achieving a reduction in the dose of conventional antidiabetic         medication (e.g. of a sulphonylurea or an insulin) required for         adequate therapeutic effect;     -   reducing the risk for adverse effects associated with         conventional antidiabetic medication (e.g. hypoglycemia or         weight gain, such as associated with e.g. insulin or         sulphonylurea medication); and/or     -   maintaining and/or improving the insulin sensitivity and/or for         treating or preventing hyperinsulinemia and/or insulin         resistance;

in a patient in need thereof (such as e.g. a patient as described herein),

particularly

in patients with (chronic) renal disease, renal dysfunction or renal impairment, particularly in patients having chronic kidney disease (CKD) such as e.g. up to stage 3 and/or having estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR; mL/minute/1.73 m²) levels down to 45, or even down to 30, such as in patients with (chronic) renal impairment of moderate stage (CKD stage 3, eGFR 30-60), particularly of mild-to-moderate stage (CKD stage 3a) such as having eGFR levels 45-59 or of moderate-to-severe stage such as having eGFR levels 30-44 (CKD stage 3b.

Such therapy according to this invention (e.g. as described hereinabove or hereinbelow in further detail) may include treatment with such certain DPP-4 inhibitor (preferably linagliptin, optionally in combination with one or more other active agents) over a lengthy period, such as described in more detail (duration of treatment) herein.

In certain embodiments, the therapy or prophylaxis according to the present invention (e.g. such as described hereinabove and hereinbelow) may include duration of treatment with a certain DPP-4 inhibitor, particularly linagliptin (preferably 5 mg per day, administered orally, in combination with metformin (and optionally in combination with one or more other active substances, e.g. such as those described herein) over a lengthy period (such as e.g. at least 1-6 years, >/=2 years, or 3-7 years such as 3-4 years, 3-5 years, 3-6 years, 4-5 years, 4-6 years, 5-6 years or 5-7 years, preferably at least 48 months, more preferably at least 3 years); such as e.g. to provide a long term effect or improvement on (cardio)vascular and/or renal (microvascular) safety, morbidity and/or mortality (e.g. including effect on cognitive impairment) according to the present invention; such as e.g. in patients (e.g. diabetic patients, especially type 2 diabetes patients) as described herein.

For example, the therapy or prophylaxis according to the present invention (e.g. such as described hereinabove and hereinbelow) may include duration of treatment with a certain DPP-4 inhibitor, particularly linagliptin (preferably 5 mg per day, administered orally), in combination with metformin (and optionally in combination with one or more other active substances, e.g. such as those described herein) over a lengthy period, preferably at least 48 months, more preferably at least 3 years (such as e.g. at least 3-4 years, or at least 5-6 years).

In the monitoring of the treatment of diabetes mellitus the HbA1c value, the product of a non-enzymatic glycation of the haemoglobin B chain, is of exceptional importance. As its formation depends essentially on the blood sugar level and the life time of the erythrocytes the HbA1c in the sense of a “blood sugar memory” reflects the average blood sugar level of the preceding 4-12 weeks. Diabetic patients whose HbA1c level has been well controlled over a long time by more intensive diabetes treatment (i.e. <6.5% of the total haemoglobin in the sample) are significantly better protected from diabetic microangiopathy. The available treatments for diabetes can give the diabetic an average improvement in their HbA1c level of the order of 1.0-1.5%. This reduction in the HbA1C level is not sufficient in all diabetics to bring them into the desired target range of <7.0%, preferably <6.5% and more preferably <6% HbA1c.

Within glycemic control, in addition to improvement of the HbA1c level, other recommended therapeutic goals for type 2 diabetes mellitus patients are improvement of fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and of postprandial plasma glucose (PPG) levels to normal or as near normal as possible. Recommended desired target ranges of preprandial (fasting) plasma glucose are 90-130 mg/dL (or 70-130 mg/dL) or <110 mg/dL, and of two-hour postprandial plasma glucose are <180 mg/dL or <140 mg/dL.

Within the meaning of this invention, inadequate or insufficient glycemic control means in particular a condition wherein patients show HbA1c values above 6.5%, in particular above 7.0%, even more preferably above 7.5%, especially above 8%. An embodiment of patients with inadequate or insufficient glycemic control include, without being limited to, patients having a HbA1c value from 6.5 to 10% (or, in another embodiment, from 7.5 to 10%; or, in another embodiment, from 7.5 to 11%, or, in another embodiment, from 6.5 to 8.5% or, in another embodiment, from 6.5 to 7.5%). A special sub-embodiment of inadequately controlled patients refers to patients with poor glycemic control including, without being limited, patients having a HbA1c value ≥9%.

In an embodiment, diabetes patients within the meaning of this invention may include patients who have not previously been treated with an antidiabetic drug (drug-naïve patients). Thus, in an embodiment, the therapies described herein may be used in naïve patients. In certain embodiments of the therapies of this invention, the DPP-4 inhibitor (preferably linagliptin) may be used alone or in combination with one or more other antidiabetics in such patients. In another embodiment, diabetes patients within the meaning of this invention may include patients pre-treated with conventional antidiabetic background medication, such as e.g. patients with advanced or late stage type 2 diabetes mellitus (including patients with failure to conventional antidiabetic therapy), such as e.g. patients with inadequate glycemic control on one, two or more conventional oral and/or non-oral antidiabetic drugs as defined herein, such as e.g. patients with insufficient glycemic control despite (mono-)therapy with metformin, a thiazolidinedione (particularly pioglitazone), a sulphonylurea, a glinide, GLP-1 or GLP-1 analogue, insulin or insulin analogue, or an α-glucosidase inhibitor, or despite dual combination therapy with metformin/sulphonylurea, metformin/thiazolidinedione (particularly pioglitazone), sulphonylurea/α-glucosidase inhibitor, pioglitazone/sulphonylurea, metformin/insulin, pioglitazone/insulin or sulphonylurea/insulin. Thus, in an embodiment, the therapies described herein may be used in patients experienced with therapy, e.g. with conventional oral and/or non-oral antidiabetic mono- or dual or triple combination medication as mentioned herein. In certain embodiments of the therapies of this invention, in such patients the DPP-4 inhibitor (preferably linagliptin) may be used on top of or added on the existing or ongoing conventional oral and/or non-oral antidiabetic mono- or dual or triple combination medication with which such patients are pre-treated or experienced.

For example, a diabetes patient (particularly type 2 diabetes patient, with insufficient glycemic control) of this invention may be treatment-naïve or pre-treated with one or more (e.g. one or two) conventional antidiabetic agents selected from metformin, thiazolidinediones (particularly pioglitazone), sulphonylureas, glinides, α-glucosidase inhibitors (e.g. acarbose, voglibose), and insulin or insulin analogues, such as e.g. pre-treated or experienced with:

metformin, α-glucosidase inhibitor, sulphonylurea or glinide monotherapy, or metformin plus α-glucosidase inhibitor, metformin plus sulphonylurea, metformin plus glinide, α-glucosidase inhibitor plus sulphonylurea, or α-glucosidase inhibitor plus glinide dual combination therapy.

In certain embodiments relating to such treatment-naïve patients, the DPP-4 inhibitor (preferably linagliptin) may be used as monotherapy, or as initial combination therapy such as e.g. with metformin, a thiazolidinedione (particularly pioglitazone), a sulphonylurea, a glinide, an α-glucosidase inhibitor (e.g. acarbose, voglibose), GLP-1 or GLP-1 analogue, or insulin or insulin analogue; preferably as monotherapy.

In certain embodiments relating to such patients pre-treated or experienced with one or two conventional antidiabetic agents, the DPP-4 inhibitor (preferably linagliptin) may be used as as add-on combination therapy, i.e. added to an existing or background therapy with the one or two conventional antidiabetics in patients with insufficient glycemic control despite therapy with the one or more conventional antidiabetic agents, such as e.g. as add-on therapy to one or more (e.g. one or two) conventional antidiabetics selected from metformin, thiazolidinediones (particularly pioglitazone), sulphonylureas, glinides, α-glucosidase inhibitors (e.g. acarbose, voglibose), GLP-1 or GLP-1 analogues, and insulin or insulin analogues, such as e.g.:

as add-on therapy to metformin, to a α-glucosidase inhibitor, to a sulphonylurea or to a glinide;

or as add-on therapy to metformin plus α-glucosidase inhibitor, to metformin plus sulphonylurea, to metformin plus glinide, to α-glucosidase inhibitor plus sulphonylurea, or to α-glucosidase inhibitor plus glinide;

or as add-on therapy to an insulin, with or without metformin, a thiazolidinedione (particularly pioglitazone), a sulphonylurea, a glinide or an α-glucosidase inhibitor (e.g. acarbose, voglibose).

An embodiment of the patients which may be amenable to the therapies of this invention may include, without being limited, those diabetes patients for whom normal metformin therapy is less appropriate, such as e.g. those diabetes patients who need reduced dose metformin therapy due to reduced tolerability, intolerability or contraindication against metformin or due to impaired/reduced renal function (e.g. elderly patients, such as e.g. ≥60-65 years).

In a further embodiment, the patient described herein is a subject having diabetes (e.g. type 1 or type 2 diabetes or LADA, particularly type 2 diabetes).

In particular, the subject within this invention may be a human, e.g. human child, a human adolescent or, particularly, a human adult.

In further particular, the subject within this invention is a human type 2 diabetes patient.

In certain embodiments, the subject within this invention is a (human) type 2 diabetes patient in early diabetes stage or, particularly, in advanced diabetes stage. In an embodiment, the patient has long-standing type 2 diabetes (e.g. >10 years) and/or is treated with insulin.

In further certain embodiments, the subject within this invention is a (human) type 2 diabetes patient in early CKD stage or, particularly, in advanced CKD stage.

The enzyme DPP-4 (dipeptidyl peptidase IV) also known as CD26 is a serine protease known to lead to the cleavage of a dipeptide from the N-terminal end of a number of proteins having at their N-terminal end a prolin or alanin residue. Due to this property DPP-4 inhibitors interfere with the plasma level of bioactive peptides including the peptide GLP-1 and are considered to be promising drugs for the treatment of diabetes mellitus.

A particularly preferred DPP-4 inhibitor to be emphasized within the present invention is 1-[(4-methyl-quinazolin-2-yl)methyl]-3-methyl-7-(2-butyn-1-yl)-8-(3-(R)-amino-piperidin-1-yl)-xanthine, particularly the free base thereof (which is also known as linagliptin or BI 1356).

The DPP-4 inhibitor of this invention may be selected from the group consisting of linagliptin, sitagliptin, vildagliptin, alogliptin, saxagliptin, teneligliptin, anagliptin, gemigliptin and dutogliptin, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of one of the herein mentioned DPP-4 inhibitors, or a prodrug thereof.

DPP-4 is analogous to CD26 a T-cell antigene which plays a role in T-cell activation and immuno-modulation. Further, some substrates of DPP-4 (beyond incretins) may have potential cardio-renal effects.

Furthermore, linagliptin, a selective DPP-4 inhibitor may qualify for the instant purposes with certain anti-oxidative and/or anti-inflammatory features.

Linagliptin may further have a direct impact on the integrity of the endothelium and podocytes of the glomerula and the proximal tubular cells of the kidney as well as on endothelial function and linagliptin has a relatively high tissue distribution, including in the kidney.

Further, samples from human kidneys indicate that proteinuric human diseases (such as e.g. diabetic nephropathy or nephrotic syndrome) seem to be characterized by an upregulation of glomerular DPP-4.

Moreover, linigliptin may further qualify for the instant purposes by antidiabetic and anti-albuminuric effects/usability preferably in type 2 diabetes patients, with micro- or macroalbuminuria (e.g. 30-3000 mg/g creatinine), preferably on top of current standard treatment for diabetic nephropathy (e.g. ACE inhibitor or ARB).

It is further noteworthy that most major DPP-4 inhibitors (e.g. sitagliptin, saxagliptin, alogliptin and vildagliptin) require dose adjustment/reduction in the renally impaired (CKD) population. The DPP-4 inhibitor linagliptin, however, is unique in being secreted via the bile and does not require adjustment of dose with declining renal function.

Additionally, the DPP-4 inhibitor linagliptin can exert anti-fibrotic effects, such as on kidney fibrosis.

A special embodiment of the DPP-4 inhibitors of this invention refers to those orally administered DPP-4 inhibitors which are therapeutically efficacious at low dose levels, e.g. at dose levels <100 mg or <70 mg per patient per day, preferably <50 mg, more preferably <30 mg or <20 mg, even more preferably from 1 mg to 10 mg (if required, divided into 1 to 4 single doses, particularly 1 or 2 single doses, which may be of the same size), particularly from 1 mg to 5 mg (more particularly 5 mg), per patient per day, preferentially, administered orally once-daily, more preferentially, at any time of day, administered with or without food. Thus, for example, the therapeutic daily oral dose 5 mg BI 1356 can be given in a once daily dosing regimen (i.e. 5 mg BI 1356 once daily) or in a twice daily dosing regimen (i.e. 2.5 mg BI 1356 twice daily), at any time of day, with or without food.

The present invention further relates to a pharmaceutical composition or combination comprising or consisting essentially of a certain DPP-4 inhibitor (particularly linagliptin) and metformin (particularly in the form of metformin hydrochloride), optionally in combination or alternation with one or more other therapeutic agents, each as described herein, such as e.g. for simultaneous, sequential or separate medical use in therapy or prophylaxis as described herein.

Within this invention it is to be understood that the combinations or combined uses according to this invention may envisage the simultaneous, sequential or separate administration of the active components.

In this context, “combination” or “combined” within the meaning of this invention may include, without being limited, fixed and non-fixed (e.g. free) forms (including kits, or other administration, application or dosage forms) and uses, such as e.g. the simultaneous, sequential or separate use of the components.

The combined administration or application of this invention may take place by administering the therapeutic components together, such as e.g. by administering them simultaneously in one single or in two separate formulations. Alternatively, the administration may take place by administering the therapeutic components sequentially, such as e.g. successively in two separate formulations.

For the combination therapy of this invention the therapeutic components may be administered separately (which implies that they are formulated separately) or formulated altogether (which implies that they are formulated in the same preparation). Hence, the administration of one element of the combination of the present invention may be prior to, concurrent to, or subsequent to the administration of the other element of the combination.

Unless otherwise noted, combination therapy may refer to first line, second line or third line therapy, or initial or add-on combination therapy or replacement therapy.

Unless otherwise noted, monotherapy may refer to first line therapy (e.g. therapy of patients with insufficient glycemic control by diet and exercise alone, such as e.g. drug-naive patients, typically patients early after diagnosis and/or who have not been previously treated with an antidiabetic agent, and/or patients ineligible for metformin therapy such as e.g. patients for whom metformin therapy is contraindicated, such as e.g. due to renal impairment, or inappropriate, such as e.g. due to intolerance).

Unless otherwise noted, add-on combination therapy may refer to second line or third line therapy (e.g. therapy of patients with insufficient glycemic control despite (diet and exercise plus) therapy with one or two conventional antidiabetic agents, typically patients who are pre-treated with one or two antidiabetic agents, such as e.g. patients with such existing antidiabetic background medication).

Unless otherwise noted, initial combination therapy may refer to first line therapy (e.g. therapy of patients with insufficient glycemic control by diet and exercise alone, such as e.g. drug-naive patients, typically patients early after diagnosis and/or who have not been previously treated with an antidiabetic agent).

A DPP-4 inhibitor according to the invention is preferably administered orally.

In one embodiment, pharmaceutical compositions or fixed dose combinations of a DPP-4 inhibitor (particularly linagliptin) and metformin (particularly in the form of metformin hydrochloride) such as described herein include, without being limited to, such compositions which comprise immediate release metformin and the DPP-4 inhibitor (preferably as an immediate release component). In connection with such compositions, further reference is made for example to WO 2009/121945, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein. Particular reference is made to those tablet forms which are described in more detail in the example section of WO 2009/121945; the mono-layer tablet hereby being preferred.

In another embodiment, pharmaceutical compositions or fixed dose combinations of a DPP-4 inhibitor (particularly linagliptin) and metformin (particularly in the form of metformin hydrochloride) such as described herein include, without being limited to, such compositions which comprise controlled or sustained (e.g. slow or extended) release metformin and the DPP-4 inhibitor (preferably as an immediate release component). Examples of such compositions include, without being limited, drug (DPP-4 inhibitor)-coated tablets (which may be optionally over-coated with a non-functional film-coat), e.g. compositions comprising i) an extended release core comprising metformin and one or more suitable excipients and ii) a (preferably immediate release) film-coating comprising DPP-4 inhibitor (e.g. such as film-coat layer). In connection with such compositions, further reference is made for example to WO 2012/120040, WO 2013/131967 and PCT/EP2015074030, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein. Particular reference is made to the tablet forms as described in more detail in the example section of PCT/EP2015074030. Examples of slow release may include, without being limited, a metformin composition (e.g. as tablet core) where metformin is released at a rate where the peak plasma levels of metformin are typically achieved about 8-22 h after administration.

In more detailed example, a pharmaceutical composition as mentioned herein comprises a certain DPP-4 inhibitor (particularly linagliptin) and metformin (particularly in the form of metformin hydrochloride), and optionally one or more pharmaceutically acceptable auxiliaries.

Pharmaceutically acceptable auxiliaries for the pharmaceutical compositions as described herein may comprise a stabilizer, such as e.g. arginine, particularly L-arginine.

Particularly, a pharmaceutical composition as described herein comprises linagliptin and metformin (particularly in the form of metformin hydrochloride), L-arginine (such as e.g. as inactive ingredient or as stabilizer), and optionally one or more further pharmaceutically acceptable auxiliaries or excipients.

Pharmaceutically acceptable auxiliaries or excipients mentioned herein may comprise optionally in addition to L-arginine other auxiliaries such as e.g. one or more fillers, one or more diluents, one or more binders, one or more lubricants, one or more release agents, one or more disintegrants, one or more breakdown agents, one or more flow agents, one or more coating agents, one or more plasticizers, one or more pigments, etc.

In an embodiment, a pharmaceutical composition as described herein comprises linagliptin (e.g. in an amount of 2.5 mg, such as for twice daily administration, or in an amount of 5 mg, such as for once daily administration) and metformin (particularly in the form of metformin hydrochloride; e.g. in an amount of 500, 750, 850 or 1000 mg; e.g. in immediate release formulation or in extended release formulation), L-arginine (particularly as stabilizer) and optionally one or more other auxiliaries.

In an embodiment, a pharmaceutical composition as described herein comprises linagliptin (e.g. in an amount of 2.5 mg, particularly in immediate release formulation such as for twice daily administration), metformin (particularly metformin hydrochloride, e.g. in an amount of 500, 850 or 1000 mg, particularly in immediate release formulation), L-arginine (particularly as stabilizer), a filler (e.g. maize starch), a binder (e.g. copovidone), and a lubricant (e.g. magnesium stearate) and optionally a flow agent (e.g. anhydrous colloidal silicon dioxide).

In another embodiment of the present invention the tablets mentioned herein include for example single-layer, double-layer or triple-layer tablets, coated core tablets, film-coated tablets, etc.

Typical dosage strengths of the dual fixed dose combination (tablet) of linagliptin/metformin IR (immediate release) are 2.5/500 mg, 2.5/850 mg and 2.5/1000 mg (linagliptin/metformin hydrochloride), which may be administered twice a day.

In a particular embodiment, for use in renally impaired patients according to the present invention, especially for use in patients with (chronic) renal impairment of mild-to-moderate stage (CKD stage 3a) such as having eGFR levels 45-59 or of moderate-to-severe stage such as having eGFR levels 30-44 (CKD stage 3b), a particular dosage strength of linagliptin/metformin IR (immediate release) is 2.5/500 mg (linagliptin/metformin hydrochloride), administered twice daily.

Typical dosage strengths of the dual fixed dose combination (tablet) of linagliptin/metformin XR (extended release) are 5/1000 mg (linagliptin/metformin hydrochloride), which may be administered as one tablet once a day (preferably to be taken in the evening preferably with meal), or 2.5/750 and 2.5/1000 (linagliptin/metformin hydrochloride), which may be administered as two tablets once a day (preferably to be taken in the evening preferably with meal).

In a further embodiment, for use in renally impaired patients according to the present invention, especially for use in patients with (chronic) renal impairment of mild-to-moderate stage (CKD stage 3a) such as having eGFR levels 45-59 or of moderate-to-severe stage such as having eGFR levels 30-44 (CKD stage 3b), a particular dosage strength of linagliptin/metformin XR (extended release) is 5/1000 mg (linagliptin/metformin hydrochloride), administered once daily.

In a particular embodiment, for use in renally impaired patients according to the present invention, especially for use in patients with (chronic) renal impairment of mild-to-moderate stage (CKD stage 3a) such as having eGFR levels 45-59 or of moderate-to-severe stage such as having eGFR levels 30-44 (CKD stage 3b), the maximum daily dose may be 1000 mg metformin hydrochloride, preferably given as two divided doses, such as e.g. 500 mg BID.

Metformin is usually given in doses varying from about 500 mg to 2000 mg up to 2500 mg or 3000 mg per day using various dosing regimens from about 100 mg to 500 mg or 200 mg to 850 mg (1-3 times a day), or about 300 mg to 1000 mg once or twice a day, or delayed-release metformin in doses of about 100 mg to 1000 mg or preferably 500 mg to 1000 mg once or twice a day or about 500 mg to 2000 mg once a day. Particular dosage strengths may be 250, 500, 625, 750, 850 and 1000 mg of metformin hydrochloride.

As different metabolic functional disorders often occur simultaneously, it is quite often indicated to combine a number of different active principles with one another. Thus, depending on the functional disorders diagnosed, improved treatment outcomes may be obtained if a DPP-4 inhibitor or pharmaceutical combination or composition according to this invention is combined with active substances customary for the respective disorders, such as e.g. one or more active substances selected from among the other antidiabetic substances, especially active substances that lower the blood sugar level or the lipid level in the blood, raise the HDL level in the blood, lower blood pressure or are indicated in the treatment of atherosclerosis or obesity.

The DPP-4 inhibitors or pharmaceutical combinations or compositions mentioned herein—besides their use on their own—may also be used in conjunction with other active substances, by means of which improved treatment results can be obtained. Such a combined treatment may be given as a free combination of the substances or in the form of a fixed combination, for example in a tablet or capsule. Pharmaceutical formulations of the combination partner needed for this may either be obtained commercially as pharmaceutical compositions or may be formulated by the skilled man using conventional methods. The active substances which may be obtained commercially as pharmaceutical compositions are described in numerous places in the prior art, for example in the list of drugs that appears annually, the “Rote Liste®” of the federal association of the pharmaceutical industry, or in the annually updated compilation of manufacturers' information on prescription drugs known as the “Physicians' Desk Reference”.

Examples of antidiabetic combination partners (such as beyond metformin) are sulphonylureas such as glibenclamide, tolbutamide, glimepiride, glipizide, gliquidon, glibornuride and gliclazide; nateglinide; repaglinide; mitiglinide; thiazolidinediones such as rosiglitazone and pioglitazone; PPAR gamma modulators such as metaglidases; PPAR-gamma agonists such as e.g. rivoglitazone, mitoglitazone, INT-131 and balaglitazone; PPAR-gamma antagonists; PPAR-gamma/alpha modulators such as tesaglitazar, muraglitazar, aleglitazar, indeglitazar and KRP297; PPAR-gamma/alpha/delta modulators such as e.g. lobeglitazone; AMPK-activators such as AICAR; acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC1 and ACC2) inhibitors; diacylglycerol-acetyltransferase (DGAT) inhibitors; pancreatic beta cell GCRP agonists such as GPR119 agonists (SMT3-receptor-agonists); 11β-HSD-inhibitors; FGF19 agonists or analogues; alpha-glucosidase blockers such as acarbose, voglibose and miglitol; alpha2-antagonists; insulin and insulin analogues such as human insulin, insulin lispro, insulin glusilin, r-DNA-insulinaspart, NPH insulin, insulin detemir, insulin degludec, insulin tregopil, insulin zinc suspension and insulin glargin; Gastric inhibitory Peptide (GIP); amylin and amylin analogues (e.g. pramlintide or davalintide); GLP-1 and GLP-1 analogues such as Exendin-4, e.g. exenatide, exenatide LAR, liraglutide, taspoglutide, lixisenatide (AVE-0010), LY-2428757 (a PEGylated version of GLP-1), dulaglutide (LY-2189265), semaglutide or albiglutide; SGLT2-inhibitors such as e.g. dapagliflozin, sergliflozin (KGT-1251), atigliflozin, canagliflozin, ipragliflozin, luseogliflozin or tofogliflozin; inhibitors of protein tyrosine-phosphatase (e.g. trodusquemine); inhibitors of glucose-6-phosphatase; fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase modulators; glycogen phosphorylase modulators; glucagon receptor antagonists; phosphoenolpyruvatecarboxykinase (PEPCK) inhibitors; pyruvate dehydrogenasekinase (PDK) inhibitors; inhibitors of tyrosine-kinases (50 mg to 600 mg) such as PDGF-receptor-kinase (cf. EP-A-564409, WO 98/35958, U.S. Pat. No. 5,093,330, WO 2004/005281, and WO 2006/041976) or of serine/threonine kinases; glucokinase/regulatory protein modulators incl. glucokinase activators; glycogen synthase kinase inhibitors; inhibitors of the SH2-domain-containing inositol 5-phosphatase type 2 (SHIP2); IKK inhibitors such as high-dose salicylate; JNK1 inhibitors; protein kinase C-theta inhibitors; beta 3 agonists such as ritobegron, YM 178, solabegron, talibegron, N-5984, GRC-1087, rafabegron, FMP825; aldosereductase inhibitors such as AS 3201, zenarestat, fidarestat, epalrestat, ranirestat, NZ-314, CP-744809, and CT-112; SGLT-1 or SGLT-2 inhibitors; KV 1.3 channel inhibitors; GPR40 modulators such as e.g. [(3S)-6-({2′,6′-dimethyl-4′-[3-(methylsulfonyl)propoxy]biphenyl-3-yl}methoxy)-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-3-yl]acetic acid; SCD-1 inhibitors; CCR-2 antagonists; dopamine receptor agonists (bromocriptine mesylate [Cycloset]); 4-(3-(2,6-dimethylbenzyloxy)phenyl)-4-oxobutanoic acid; sirtuin stimulants; and other DPP IV inhibitors.

A dosage of pioglitazone is usually of about 1-10 mg, 15 mg, 30 mg, or 45 mg once a day.

Rosiglitazone is usually given in doses from 4 to 8 mg once (or divided twice) a day (typical dosage strengths are 2, 4 and 8 mg).

Glibenclamide (glyburide) is usually given in doses from 2.5-5 to 20 mg once (or divided twice) a day (typical dosage strengths are 1.25, 2.5 and 5 mg), or micronized glibenclamide in doses from 0.75-3 to 12 mg once (or divided twice) a day (typical dosage strengths are 1.5, 3, 4.5 and 6 mg).

Glipizide is usually given in doses from 2.5 to 10-20 mg once (up to 40 mg divided twice) a day (typical dosage strengths are 5 and 10 mg), or extended-release glipizide in doses from 5 to 10 mg (up to 20 mg) once a day (typical dosage strengths are 2.5, 5 and 10 mg).

Glimepiride is usually given in doses from 1-2 to 4 mg (up to 8 mg) once a day (typical dosage strengths are 1, 2 and 4 mg).

A dual combination of glibenclamide/metformin is usually given in doses from 1.25/250 once daily to 10/1000 mg twice daily (typical dosage strengths are 1.25/250, 2.5/500 and 5/500 mg).

A dual combination of glipizide/metformin is usually given in doses from 2.5/250 to 10/1000 mg twice daily (typical dosage strengths are 2.5/250, 2.5/500 and 5/500 mg).

A dual combination of glimepiride/metformin is usually given in doses from 1/250 to 4/1000 mg twice daily.

A dual combination of rosiglitazone/glimepiride is usually given in doses from 4/1 once or twice daily to 4/2 mg twice daily (typical dosage strengths are 4/1, 4/2, 4/4, 8/2 and 8/4 mg).

A dual combination of pioglitazone/glimepiride is usually given in doses from 30/2 to 30/4 mg once daily (typical dosage strengths are 30/4 and 45/4 mg).

A dual combination of rosiglitazone/metformin is usually given in doses from 1/500 to 4/1000 mg twice daily (typical dosage strengths are 1/500, 2/500, 4/500, 2/1000 and 4/1000 mg).

A dual combination of pioglitazone/metformin is usually given in doses from 15/500 once or twice daily to 15/850 mg thrice daily (typical dosage strengths are 15/500 and 15/850 mg).

The non-sulphonylurea insulin secretagogue nateglinide is usually given in doses from 60 to 120 mg with meals (up to 360 mg/day, typical dosage strengths are 60 and 120 mg); repaglinide is usually given in doses from 0.5 to 4 mg with meals (up to 16 mg/day, typical dosage strengths are 0.5, 1 and 2 mg). A dual combination of repaglinide/metformin is available in dosage strengths of 1/500 and 2/850 mg.

Acarbose is usually given in doses from 25 to 100 mg with meals (up to 300 mg/day, typical dosage strengths are 25, 50 and 100 mg). Miglitol is usually given in doses from 25 to 100 mg with meals (up to 300 mg/day, typical dosage strengths are 25, 50 and 100 mg).

Conventional antidiabetics and antihyperglycemics typically used in mono- or dual or triple (add-on or initial) combination therapy may include, without being limited to, metformin, sulphonylureas, thiazolidinediones, glinides, alpha-glucosidase blockers, GLP-1 and GLP-1 analogues, as well as insulin and insulin analogues, such as e.g. those agents indicated herein by way of example, including combinations thereof.

Examples of combination partners that lower the lipid level in the blood are HMG-CoA-reductase inhibitors such as simvastatin, atorvastatin, lovastatin, fluvastatin, pravastatin, pitavastatin and rosuvastatin; fibrates such as bezafibrate, fenofibrate, clofibrate, gemfibrozil, etofibrate and etofyllinclofibrate; nicotinic acid and the derivatives thereof such as acipimox; PPAR-alpha agonists; PPAR-delta agonists such as e.g. {4-[(R)-2-ethoxy-3-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenoxy)-propylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy}-acetic acid; PPAR-alpha/delta agonists; inhibitors of acyl-coenzyme A:cholesterolacyltransferase (ACAT; EC 2.3.1.26) such as avasimibe; cholesterol resorption inhibitors such as ezetimib; substances that bind to bile acid, such as cholestyramine, colestipol and colesevelam; inhibitors of bile acid transport; HDL modulating active substances such as D4F, reverse D4F, LXR modulating active substances and FXR modulating active substances; CETP inhibitors such as torcetrapib, JTT-705 (dalcetrapib) or compound 12 from WO 2007/005572 (anacetrapib); LDL receptor modulators; MTP inhibitors (e.g. lomitapide); and ApoB100 antisense RNA.

A dosage of atorvastatin is usually from 1 mg to 40 mg or 10 mg to 80 mg once a day.

Examples of combination partners that lower blood pressure are beta-blockers such as atenolol, bisoprolol, celiprolol, metoprolol and carvedilol; diuretics such as hydrochlorothiazide, chlortalidon, xipamide, furosemide, piretanide, torasemide, spironolactone, eplerenone, amiloride and triamterene; calcium channel blockers such as amlodipine, nifedipine, nitrendipine, nisoldipine, nicardipine, felodipine, lacidipine, lercanipidine, manidipine, isradipine, nilvadipine, verapamil, gallopamil and diltiazem; ACE inhibitors such as ramipril, lisinopril, cilazapril, quinapril, captopril, enalapril, benazepril, perindopril, fosinopril and trandolapril; as well as angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) such as telmisartan, candesartan, valsartan, losartan, irbesartan, olmesartan, azilsartan and eprosartan.

A dosage of telmisartan is usually from 20 mg to 320 mg or 40 mg to 160 mg per day.

Examples of combination partners which increase the HDL level in the blood are Cholesteryl Ester Transfer Protein (CETP) inhibitors; inhibitors of endothelial lipase; regulators of ABC1; LXRalpha antagonists; LXRbeta agonists; PPAR-delta agonists; LXRalpha/beta regulators, and substances that increase the expression and/or plasma concentration of apolipoprotein A-I.

Examples of combination partners for the treatment of obesity are sibutramine; tetrahydrolipstatin (orlistat); alizyme (cetilistat); dexfenfluramine; axokine; cannabinoid receptor 1 antagonists such as the CB1 antagonist rimonobant; MCH-1 receptor antagonists; MC4 receptor agonists; NPY5 as well as NPY2 antagonists (e.g. velneperit); beta3-AR agonists such as SB-418790 and AD-9677; 5HT2c receptor agonists such as APD 356 (lorcaserin); myostatin inhibitors; Acrp30 and adiponectin; steroyl CoA desaturase (SCD1) inhibitors; fatty acid synthase (FAS) inhibitors; CCK receptor agonists; Ghrelin receptor modulators; Pyy 3-36; orexin receptor antagonists; and tesofensine; as well as the dual combinations bupropion/naltrexone, bupropion/zonisamide, topiramate/phentermine and pramlintide/metreleptin.

Examples of combination partners for the treatment of atherosclerosis are phospholipase A2 inhibitors; inhibitors of tyrosine-kinases (50 mg to 600 mg) such as PDGF-receptor-kinase (cf. EP-A-564409, WO 98/35958, U.S. Pat. No. 5,093,330, WO 2004/005281, and WO 2006/041976); oxLDL antibodies and oxLDL vaccines; apoA-1 Milano; ASA; and VCAM-1 inhibitors.

Further, the certain DPP-4 inhibitor of this invention may be used in combination with a substrate of DPP-4 (particularly with an anti-inflammatory substrate of DPP-4), which may be other than GLP-1, for the purposes according to the present invention, such substrates of DPP-4 include, for example—without being limited to, one or more of the following:

Incretins:

Glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1

Glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP)

Neuroactive:

Substance P

Neuropeptide Y (NPY)

Peptide YY

Energy homeostasis:

GLP-2

Prolactin

Pituitary adenylate cyclase activating peptide (PACAP)

Other hormones:

PACAP 27

Human chorionic gonadotrophin alpha chain

Growth hormone releasing factor (GHRF)

Luteinizing hormone alpha chain

Insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1)

CCL8/eotaxin

CCL22/macrophage-derived chemokine

CXCL9/interferon-gamma-induced monokine

Chemokines:

CXCL10/interferon-gamma-induced protein-10

CXCL11/interferon-inducible T cell a chemoattractant

CCL3L1/macrophage inflammatory protein 1alpha isoform

LD78beta

CXCL12/stromal-derived factor 1 alpha and beta

Other:

Enkephalins, gastrin-releasing peptide, vasostatin-1,

peptide histidine methionine, thyrotropin alpha

Further or in addition, the certain DPP-4 inhibitor of this invention may be used in combination with one or more active substances which are indicated in the treatment of nephropathy, such as selected from diuretics, ACE inhibitors and/or ARBs.

Further or in addition, the certain DPP-4 inhibitor of this invention may be used in combination with one or more active substances which are indicated in the treatment or prevention of cardiovascular diseases or events (e.g. major cardiovascular events).

Moreover, optionally in addition, the certain DPP-4 inhibitor of this invention may be used in combination with one or more antiplatelet agents, such as e.g. (low-dose) aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid), a selective COX-2 or nonselective COX-1/COX-2 inhibitor, or a ADP receptor inhibitor, such as a thienopyridine (e.g. clopidogrel or prasugrel), elinogrel or ticagrelor, or a thrombin receptor antagonist such as vorapaxar.

Yet moreover, optionally in addition, the certain DPP-4 inhibitor of this invention may be used in combination with one or more anticoagulant agents, such as e.g. heparin, a coumarin (such as warfarin or phenprocoumon), a pentasaccharide inhibitor of Factor Xa (e.g. fondaparinux), or a direct thrombin inhibitor (such as e.g. dabigatran), or a Faktor Xa inhibitor (such as e.g. rivaroxaban or apixaban or edoxaban or otamixaban).

Still yet moreover, optionally in addition, the certain DPP-4 inhibitor of this invention may be used in combination with one or more agents for the treatment of heart failure (such as e.g. those mentioned in WO 2007/128761).

The dosage of the active components in the combinations or compositions in accordance with the present invention may be varied, although the amount of the active ingredients shall be such that a suitable dosage form is obtained. Hence, the selected dosage and the selected dosage form shall depend on the desired therapeutic effect, the route of administration and the duration of the treatment. Dosage ranges for the combination may be from the maximal tolerated dose for the single agent to lower doses.

The present invention is not to be limited in scope by the specific embodiments described herein. Various modifications of the invention in addition to those described herein may become apparent to those skilled in the art from the present disclosure. Such modifications are intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Further embodiments, features and advantages of the present invention may become apparent from the following examples. The following examples serve to illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention without restricting it.

All patent applications cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

EXAMPLES

In order that this invention be more fully understood, the herein-given examples are set forth. Further embodiments, features or aspects of the present invention may become apparent from the examples. The examples serve to illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention without restricting it.

Treatment of Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Having Albuminuria:

A multicentre, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial investigates glycaemic and renal effects of linagliptin in patients with type 2 diabetes, album inuria and estimated GFR≥30 ml/min/1.73 m2 (with or without renal function impairment).

A total of 360 patients with type 2 diabetes (HbA1c 6.5-10%) and persistent albuminuria (urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio [UACR] 30-3000 mg/gCr; i.e. micro- or macro-albuminuria) despite stable background (standard-of-care) of single renin-angiotensin system blockade (ARB or ACE inhibitor) are randomised to either linagliptin 5 mg (n=182) or placebo (n=178) for 24 weeks. Primary glycaemic and key secondary renal surrogate endpoints are HbA1c and UACR change from baseline over 24 weeks, respectively.

Overall mean (SD) baseline HbA1c and geometric mean (gMean) UACR are 7.8% (0.9) and 126 mg/gCr (microalbuminuria, 73.7%; macroalbuminuria, 20.3%), respectively. At week 24, the adjusted mean (SE) % change from baseline in HbA1c for linagliptin and placebo is −0.63 (0.06) and −0.03 (0.06), respectively; the placebo-adjusted mean HbA1c change from baseline is −0.60% (95% CI −0.78, −0.43; p<0.0001). The gMean for time-weighted average of % change (95% CI) from baseline in UACR over 24 weeks for linagliptin and placebo is −11.0% (−16.8, −4.7) and −5.1% (−11.4, 1.6), respectively; the placebo-adjusted gMean for time-weighted average of % change in UCAR from baseline is −6.0% (95% CI −15.0, 3.0; NS).

Exploratory analyses of the subgroup of patients treated with linagliptin on a background of metformin (as well as of those with moderate renal impairment CKD3, eGFR of 30-60 ml/min/1.73 m2) in the above study show a numerically larger difference in the changes from baseline vs. placebo in urinary albumin to creatinine ratio (UACR) compared to patients without the combination with metformin (post hoc subgroup analysis of key secondary endpoint).

Alternatively, the renal effects can be evaluated by a scoring system (diabetic nephropathy score) for staging diabetic kidney disease such as generated from the profiles of a urinary biomarker panel composed of alpha2-HS-glycoprotein, alpha-1-antitrypsin and acid-1-glycoprotein.

Treatment of Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus at High Cardiovascular and Renal Microvascular Risk:

The long term impact on cardiovascular and renal (microvascular) safety, morbidity and/or mortality and relevant efficacy parameters (e.g. HbA1c, fasting plasma glucose, treatment sustainability) of treatment with linagliptin in combination with metformin in a relevant population of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (such as e.g. at high vascular risk, at advanced stage of diabetic kidney disease) can be investigated as follows:

Type 2 diabetes patient with insufficient glycemic control (naïve or pre-treated with any antidiabetic background medication including metformin, excluding treatment with GLP-1 receptor agonists, DPP-4 inhibitors or SGLT-2 inhibitors if ≥consecutive 7 days, e.g. having HbA1c 6.5-10%), and high risk of cardiovascular events, e.g. defined by:

albuminuria (micro or macro) and previous macrovascular disease: e.g. defined according to Condition I as indicated below;

and/or

impaired renal function: e.g. as defined according to Condition II as indicated below;

Condition I:

albuminuria (such as e.g. urine albumin creatinine ratio (UACR)≥30 mg/g creatinine or ≥30 mg/l (milligram albumin per liter of urine) or ≥30 μg/min (microgram albumin per minute) or ≥30 mg/24 h (milligram albumin per 24 hours)) and

previous macrovascular disease, such as e.g. defined as one or more of a) to f):

a) previous myocardial infarction (e.g. >2 months),

b) advanced coronary artery disease, such as e.g. defined by any one of the following:

-   -   ≥50% narrowing of the luminal diameter in 2 or more major         coronary arteries (e.g. LAD (Left Anterior Descending), CX         (Circumflex) or RCA (Right Coronary Artery)) by coronary         angiography or CT angiography,     -   left main stem coronary artery with ≥50% narrowing of the         luminal diameter,     -   prior percutaneous or surgical revascularization of ≥2 major         coronary arteries (e.g. ≥2 months),     -   combination of prior percutaneous or surgical revascularization,         such as e.g. of 1 major coronary artery (e.g. ≥2 months) and         ≥50% narrowing of the luminal diameter by coronary angiography         or CT angiography of at least 1 additional major coronary         artery,

c) high-risk single-vessel coronary artery disease, such as e.g. defined as the presence of ≥50% narrowing of the luminal diameter of one major coronary artery (e.g. by coronary angiography or CT angiography in patients not revascularised) and at least one of the following:

-   -   a positive non invasive stress test, such as e.g. confirmed by         either:     -   a positive ECG exercise tolerance test in patients without left         bundle branch block, Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, left         ventricular hypertrophy with repolarization abnormality, or         paced ventricular rhythm, atrial fibrillation in case of         abnormal ST-T segments,     -   a positive stress echocardiogram showing induced regional         systolic wall motion abnormalities,     -   a positive nuclear myocardial perfusion imaging stress test         showing stress induced reversible perfusion abnormality,     -   patient discharged from hospital with a documented diagnosis of         unstable angina pectoris (e.g. ≥2-12 months),

d) previous ischemic or haemorrhagic stroke (e.g. >3 months),

e) presence of carotid artery disease (e.g. symptomatic or not), such as e.g. documented by either:

-   -   imaging techniques with at least one lesion estimated to be ≥50%         narrowing of the luminal diameter,     -   prior percutaneous or surgical carotid revascularization,

f) presence of peripheral artery disease, such as e.g. documented by either:

-   -   previous limb angioplasty, stenting or bypass surgery,     -   previous limb or foot amputation due to macrocirculatory         insufficiency,     -   angiographic evidence of peripheral artery stenosis ≥50%         narrowing of the luminal diameter in at least one limb (e.g.         definition of peripheral artery: common iliac artery, internal         iliac artery, external iliac artery, femoral artery, popliteal         artery),

Condition II:

impaired renal function (e.g. with or without CV co-morbidities), such as e.g. defined by:

-   -   impaired renal function (e.g. as defined by MDRD formula) with         an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) 15-45 mL/min/1.73         m² with any urine albumin creatinine ratio (UACR), and/or     -   impaired renal function (e.g. as defined by MDRD formula) with         an with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)≥45-75         mL/min/1.73 m² with an urine albumin creatinine ratio (UACR)>200         mg/g creatinine or >200 mg/l (milligram albumin per liter of         urine) or >200 μg/min (microgram albumin per minute) or >200         mg/24 h (milligram albumin per 24 hours);

are treated over a lengthy period (e.g. for 4-5 years, or preferably at least 48 months) with linagliptin (preferably 5 mg per day, administered orally) in combination with metformin (optionally in combination with one or more further active substances, e.g. such as those described herein) and compared with patients who have been treated with placebo (as add-on therapy on top of standard of care).

Evidence of the therapeutic success compared with patients who have been treated with placebo can be found in non-inferiority or superiority compared to placebo, e.g. in the (longer) time taken to first occurrence of cardio- or cerebrovascular events, e.g. time to first occurrence of any of the following components of the composite CV endpoint: cardiovascular death (including fatal stroke, fatal myocardial infarction and sudden death), non-fatal myocardial infarction (excluding silent myocardial infarction), non-fatal stroke, and (optional) hospitalization e.g. for unstable angina pectoris; and/or in the (longer) time taken to first occurrence of renal microvascular events, e.g. time to first occurrence of any of the following components of the composite renal endpoint: renal death, sustained end-stage renal disease, and sustained decrease of 50% or more in eGFR.

Further therapeutic success can be found in the (smaller) number of or in the (longer) time taken to first occurrence of any of: cardiovascular death, (non)-fatal myocardial infarction, silent MI, (non)-fatal stroke, hospitalization for unstable angina pectoris, hospitalization for coronary revascularization, hospitalization for peripheral revascularization, hospitalization for congestive heart failure, all cause mortality, renal death, sustained end-stage renal disease, loss in eGFR, new incidence of macroalbuminuria, progression in albuminuria, progression in CKD, need for anti-retinopathy therapy; or improvement in albuminuria, renal function, CKD; or improvement in cognitive function or prevention of/protection against accelerated cognitive decline.

Cognitive functions can be assessed by standardized tests as measure of cognitive functioning such as e.g. by using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Trail Making Test (TMT) and/or the Verbal Fluency Test (VFT).

Additional therapeutic success (compared to placebo) can be found in greater change from baseline in HbA1c and/or FPG.

Further additional therapeutic success can be found in greater proportion of patients on study treatment at study end maintain glycemic control (e.g. HbA1c</=7%).

Further additional therapeutic success can be found in greater proportion of patients on study treatment who at study end maintain glycemic control without need for additional antidiabetic medication (during treatment) to obtain HbA1c</=7%.

Further additional therapeutic success can be found in lower proportion of patients on study treatment initiated on insulin or treated with insulin or in lower dose of insulin dose used. Further additional therapeutic success can be found in lower change from baseline in body weight or greater proportion of patients with ≤2% weight gain or lower proportion of patients with ≥2% weight gain at study end.

Respective subgroup analysis may be made in this study for patients having chronic kidney disease (CKD) such as e.g. up to stage 3 and/or having estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR; mL/minute/1.73 m²) levels down to 45, or down to 30, such as for patients with (chronic) renal impairment of moderate stage (CKD stage 3, eGFR 30-60), particularly of mild-to-moderate stage (CKD stage 3a) such as having eGFR levels 45-59 or of moderate-to-severe stage (CKD stage 3b) such as having eGFR levels 30-44; optionally with or without micro- or macroalbuminuria.

Over two thirds (71%) of the total participants of above study are categorized as having a renal prognosis of high risk (27.2%) or very high risk (43.5%) by eGFR and albuminuria categories at baseline:

Prognosis of CKD in study population by eGFR and albuminuria categories

High Risk:

UACR (mg/g)>300 and eGFR (ml/min/1.73 m2)>60, or

UACR (mg/g) 30-299 and eGFR (ml/min/1.73 m2) 45-59, or

UACR (mg/g)<30 and eGFR (ml/min/1.73 m2) 30-44;

Very High Risk:

UACR (mg/g)>300 and eGFR (ml/min/1.73 m2) 45-59 or 30-44 or <30, or

UACR (mg/g) 30-299 and eGFR (ml/min/1.73 m2) 30-44 or <30, or

UACR (mg/g)<30 and eGFR (ml/min/1.73 m2)<30.

Respective subgroup analysis may be also made in this study for patients having renal prognosis of high risk or very high risk as defined above. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method of using linagliptin, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, in combination with metformin, and optionally one or more further active agents selected from the group consisting of insulin, a sulfonylurea, an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, and an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB), to treat a type 2 diabetes patient having chronic kidney disease (CKD) up to stage 3 and/or having estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR; mL/minute/1.73 m²) levels down to 45 or down to
 30. 2. A method of using linagliptin, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, in combination with metformin, and optionally one or more further active agents selected from the group consisting of insulin, a sulfonylurea, an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, and an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB), to treat, to slow the progression or to delay the onset of type 2 diabetes mellitus and/or a diabetic complication selected from the group consisting of chronic kidney disease, diabetic nephropathy, micro- and macroalbuminuria, renal impairment, retinopathy, neuropathy, and a macrovascular complication which is a cardio- or cerebrovascular event, in a type 2 diabetes patient having chronic kidney disease (CKD) in stage 3 and/or having estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 30 to 60 mL/minute/1.73 m².
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein said treatment comprises one or more of the following: i) treating type 2 diabetes mellitus; ii) treating or slowing progression of chronic kidney disease (diabetic nephropathy); iii) treating, preventing, protecting against, reducing the risk of, delaying the progression and/or delaying the occurrence of albuminuria (micro- or macro-albuminuria); iv) preventing, protecting against, reducing the risk of and/or delaying the occurrence of a cardio- or cerebrovascular complication or event selected from: cardiovascular (CV) death (including fatal stroke, fatal myocardial infarction and sudden death), non-fatal stroke, non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI) and, optionally, hospitalization for unstable angina pectoris; v) preventing, protecting against, reducing the risk of, delaying the progression and/or delaying the occurrence of a renal microvascular complication or event selected from: renal death, end-stage renal disease and loss in estimated glomerular filtration rate eGFR≥50% or ≥40% from baseline; and/or vi) decreasing, preventing, protecting against, delaying occurrence or progression and/or reducing the risk of cognitive decline or cognitive impairment or dementia.
 4. The method of claim 2, wherein linagliptin and metformin are administered in a single pharmaceutical composition, such as e.g. in form of a single oral dosage form (e.g. tablet).
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the linagliptin is present in the composition in a dosage strength of 2.5 mg; or of 5 mg.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the metformin is present in the composition in a dosage strength of 500 mg, 850 mg or 1000 mg in form of immediate release metformin; or 500 mg, 750 mg, 1000 mg, 1500 mg or 2000 mg in form of extended release metformin.
 7. The method of claim 4, wherein the pharmaceutical composition comprises 2.5 mg linagliptin and 500 mg, 850 mg or 1000 mg metformin in immediate release form, and optionally one or more pharmaceutically auxiliaries.
 8. The method of claim 4, wherein the pharmaceutical composition comprises 5 mg linagliptin and 1000 mg metformin in extended release form, and optionally one or more pharmaceutically auxiliaries, or wherein the pharmaceutical composition comprises 2.5 mg linagliptin and 750 mg or 1000 mg metformin in extended release form, and optionally one or more pharmaceutically auxiliaries.
 9. The method of claim 2, wherein linagliptin is administered in a total oral daily dose of 5 mg, wherein the 5 mg daily dose is administered as 2.5 mg linagliptin twice daily or 5 mg linagliptin once daily.
 10. The method of claim 2, wherein metformin is administered up to maximum daily dose of 500 mg, 1000 mg, 2000 mg, or 2500 mg per day.
 11. The method of claim 2, wherein the type 2 diabetes patient has not been previously treated with an antihyperglycemic agent.
 12. The method of claim 2, wherein the type 2 diabetes patient has insufficient glycemic control despite previous mono-therapy with metformin.
 13. The method of claim 2, further comprising treating the patient with a sulphonylurea, wherein the type 2 diabetes patient has insufficient glycemic control despite previous dual combination therapy with metformin and a sulphonylurea.
 14. The method of claim 2 further comprising treating the patient with an insulin, wherein the type 2 diabetes patient has have insufficient glycemic control despite previous dual combination therapy with metformin and an insulin.
 15. The method of claim 2, wherein the patient has micro- or macroalbuminuria.
 16. The method of claim 2, wherein the patient has chronic renal impairment of mild-to-moderate stage and exhibits eGFR levels 45-59 (CKD stage 3a).
 17. The method of claim 2, wherein the patient has chronic renal impairment of mild-to-moderate stage and exhibits eGFR levels 45-59 (CKD stage 3a), wherein the maximum daily dose of metformin hydrochloride is 2000 mg.
 18. The method of claim 2, wherein the patient has chronic renal impairment of moderate-to-severe stage and exhibits eGFR levels 30-44 (CKD stage 3b).
 19. The method of claim 2, wherein the patient has chronic renal impairment of moderate-to-severe stage and exhibits eGFR levels 30-44 (CKD stage 3b), wherein the maximum daily dose of metformin hydrochloride is 1000 mg.
 20. The method of claim 2, wherein the patient has: both albuminuria and previous macrovascular disease, and/or either mild or moderate renal impairment with macro-albuminuria, or moderate or severe renal impairment with or without any albuminuria.
 21. The method of claim 2, wherein the patient has: (i) albuminuria (micro or macro) as defined by urine albumin creatinine ratio (UACR)≥30 mg/g creatinine or ≥30 mg/l (milligram albumin per liter of urine) or ≥30 μg/min (microgram albumin per minute) or ≥30 mg/24 h (milligram albumin per 24 hours) and previous macrovascular disease as defined as one or more of a) to f): a) previous myocardial infarction, b) advanced coronary artery disease, c) high-risk single-vessel coronary artery disease, d) previous ischemic or haemorrhagic stroke, e) presence of carotid artery disease, f) presence of peripheral artery disease; and/or (ii) impaired renal function as defined by: impaired renal function with an eGFR 15-45 mL/min/1.73 m² or 30-45 mL/min/1.73 m² with any urine albumin creatinine ratio (UACR), and/or impaired renal function with an eGFR≥45-75 mL/min/1.73 m² with an urine albumin creatinine ratio (UACR)>200 mg/g creatinine or >200 mg/l (milligram albumin per liter of urine) or >200 μg/min (microgram albumin per minute) or >200 mg/24 h (milligram albumin per 24 hours).
 22. The method of claim 2, wherein the patient is treated over a period of at least 3 years.
 23. The method of claim 2, wherein the patient has chronic renal impairment of moderate-to-severe stage and exhibits eGFR levels 30-44 (CKD stage 3b), wherein the maximum daily dose of metformin hydrochloride is 1000 mg, wherein linagliptin and metformin are administered in a single oral dosage form comprising 2.5 mg linagliptin and 500 mg metformin (in immediate release form, and optionally one or more pharmaceutically auxiliaries. 